Giant Mayfly

Giant Burrowing Mayfly (female). Large numbers of these will emerge around the great lakes in synchrony. They are attracted to lights, as this individual was spotted outside a campground bathroom. The adults will only live about 2 days. They have just enough time to find a mate and lay eggs. Their mouthparts are vestigial and they are unable to feed. This is a popular insect to imitate in the fly fishing community. The scientific name is Hexagenia limbata.