I found this beautiful creature sheltering from the rain under one of the curlicues of our wrought-iron gate. It is some sort of river fly but I haven’t conclusively identified it more specifically. Any river fly experts out there? It has two long tails, unlike the common mayfly which has three, and apparently only one pair of wings. I found it nowhere near a river so I an guessing it is one of the river flies that will inhabit standing water. Anyway, whatever it is, it’s a beauty! Here’s a close-up:
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A work of (nature’s) art! ~ Kat
Thanks. Yes, it was a beauty. I think someone in our vicinity must have installed a wildlife pond as we have also seen a few damselflies in the garden this year. 🙂
My Collins Field Guide to Insects tells me that some mayflies have two tail streamers. They also have very short antennae and hold their wings vertically over their backs at rest. Also hind wings can be missing (therefore two wings only). On that basis I’d say definitely a mayfly. Looking at the illustrations (in particular the sparse wing veins) I’d say something from Baetidae family (4 genera and 15 species in UK).
Now if that spiel gives you the impression that I have any idea what I am talking about, don’t be fooled. I know nothing; I just read my book. 🙂
Thanks. I had it narrowed down to a female dun of either Cloëon dipterum or Baëtis vernus. Most likely the former as they frequent still water. But I am not certain because the pattern on the wing doesn’t match the illustrations i have found exactly. Identification is complicated by the fact that the fly has two stages, the dun and then the spinner! Thanks. 🙂
See this interesting guide, but lacking in relevant photos: http://www.riverflies.org/sites/172.16.0.99.riverflies.local/files/In_The_Month_of_Mayfly.pdf
scary details on the wings almost translucent
Thanks, Scott. It’s a beauty for sure.
I have just borrowed a book from the library with photographs and comments by Jacques Dassié
he is better known for his aerial photographs and archaeological discoveries but his local insect pictures are wonderful. They were taken in his garden in Gemozac, where the library is. He has taken a picture of what seems the same insect which he calls l’éphémère or mayfly. He gives the order Ephemeroptera, Familly, Baetidae, Cleon species, 6-8 mm.
Thanks. I had narrowed it down to a female dun of either Cloëon dipterum or Baëtis vernus. Most likely the former as they frequent still water. But I am not certain because the pattern on the wing doesn’t match the illustrations i have found exactly. Identification is complicated by the fact that the fly has two stages, the dun and then the spinner! Thanks. 🙂
PS. See this interesting guide, but lacking in relevant photos: http://www.riverflies.org/sites/172.16.0.99.riverflies.local/files/In_The_Month_of_Mayfly.pdf
Awesome macro shots! I think I’ve seen similar one here too, but I am bad at identifying them.
Thanks, Gracie. There are so many different types of these river flies, I think accurate identification is for the experts only!