EPHEMERA

the typical genus of the neuropterous insects constituting the family Ephemeride, so named from the extreme shortne of their lives in the perfect state. They are known as may-flies or day-flies, and are characterized by the slenderne of their bodies; the delicacy of their wings, which are erect and unequal, the anterior being much the larger; the rudimentary condition of the mouth; and the termination of the abdomen in three filiform appendages. In the state of larve and pup they are aquatic and exist for years. When ready for their final change, they creep out of the water, generally towards sunset of a fine summer evening, beginning to be seen generally in May. They shed their whole skin shortly after leaving the water, propagate their species, and die, taking no food in the perfect state. The may-fly is well known to anglers, who imitate it for bait.