Mayfly

Description:

Palaeoptera; Unidentified Ephemeroptera (nymph) Most entomologists are probably smart enough to avoid attempting to identify a Mayfly unless that happens to their special discipline. However the Wikipedia article on Mayflies is very informative and it is worth taking a moment to read it.

Habitat:

I spotted this Mayfly nymph crawling on our mailbox out on the garden gate. At first, it was rather intriguing. Why would a wingless nymph be on my mailbox when it should be living underwater (in a freshwater pond or stream) and there is no pond or stream nearby. Then my wife pointed out that she has some plants in a flowerbed within 6 ft. of the gate. These plants are species that need lavish amounts of water every day and the soil is never allowed to dry out. When I had a look, there were indeed small pockets of water here and there. So it is quite possible that the insect crawled out of there and found a suitable place to grow its wings.

Notes:

If you look carefully at the pictures, the wings can be seen just starting to grow.