Ephemeroptera

/ˌɛfəməˈrɑptərə/ noun

Definition

The scientific order name for mayflies, aquatic insects known for their extremely brief adult life span, usually just hours or a few days.

Etymology

From Greek ephemeros 'lasting a day' plus pteron 'wing,' literally 'day-wing.' This is the standard modern taxonomic name.

Kelly Says

Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) are the oldest winged insects still alive today—fossils show they flew 300 million years ago, yet they still live their adult lives in just hours, unchanged by time.

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