mayfly

[ mey-flahy ]

noun

, plural may·flies.

1. Also called shadfly. any insect of the order Ephemeroptera, having delicate, membranous wings with the front pair much larger than the rear and having an aquatic larval stage and a terrestrial adult stage usually lasting less than two days.
2. Also May fly. Angling. an artificial fly made to resemble this insect.

mayfly

/ ˈmeɪˌflaɪ /

noun

1. Also calleddayfly any insect of the order Ephemeroptera (or Ephemerida ). The short-lived adults, found near water, have long tail appendages and large transparent wings; the larvae are aquatic
2. angling an artificial fly resembling this

Word History and Origins

Origin of mayfly¹

First recorded in 1645–55; May + fly ¹

Example Sentences

The Republican nominees for Speaker of the US House have developed the political lifespan of mayflies.

From BBC

Horsehair worms are born in water and use aquatic insects like mayflies to hitchhike to dry land, where they sit tight until they are eaten by terrestrial insects such as crickets or mantises.

From Science Daily

Increased salinity usually spells trouble for freshwater insects like mayflies.

From Science Daily

The researchers looked at the presence of invertebrate families like dragonflies, snails, mayflies, shrimp and worms which respond to changes in water quality.

From Science Daily

“Part of the waste is built into the sludge of the river bed. It’s obviously not a good place for it, since fish and Tisza mayflies spawn there,” Hanko said.

From Seattle Times