Mayfly about to complete final mould

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks. Tunnel entrance near large pond.

I thought some of you might be interested to see this pic of a mayfly in the end stages of its final moult. I'm open to correction here.......

Looking carefully at the shed 'skin' I'm pretty sure it's the remains of the winged subimago form which means that the emerging insect is the full adult form. As far as I know mayflies are the only insects that actually moult FROM a winged form - quite an exhausting process I would think.



Here's a close-up:



I would appreciate help with species and gender if possible.

Bruce

[Bruce Williams]

Ooops! mould = moult (sorry).

Bruce

[Bruce Williams]

Bump!

This is a once only bump in the hope that someone may have some info on id.

Bruce.

[Bellow]

With the Mayfly in the very early stage of moulting Bruce, the colour change can vary quite alot.With 2 tails I would say it could be"Cloeon Dipterum or again Centroptilum Luteolum.In about an 1hr it would be much more recognisable.This is generally called the "Dun"stage"then again after "maturation" a "Spinner".We then see them on the lake or stream dipping on the surface,when laying eggs.After this process is finished they die, this is known as the "Spent" fly, when both birds and fish lap them up. a valuable food source for young chicks.
Roly.

[Bruce Williams]

Roly - Thanks for a very helpful and informative post - very much appreciated.

Bruce