Mayfly Larvae Diet

Mayflies come in many different varieties, however, the larva or juvenile stage of the insect behaves very similarly. The larvae eat algae throughout their development, which can last anywhere from two months to two years.

  1. Habits

    • Mayfly larvae can be found in wetlands throughout the year, despite the implication of their name. Larvae begin eating from the moment they hatch with the sole purpose of growing and developing until they emerge as adults.

    Omnivorous

    • Mayfly larvae are omnivorous, eating planktonic, or free-floating, algae throughout their lifetimes. occasionally picking up microscopic animals as well. Very few mayfly species are strictly carnivorous or herbivorous.

    Scavegers

    • Mayfly larvae can also find nutrition in the excrement of other animals such as fish, turtles and other aquatic species. This helps keep the water quality in tiptop condition.

    Considerations

    • Mayfly larvae eat voraciously as they require a large amount of energy in order to perform the complex transformations their bodies undergo as they approach adulthood and prepare for reproduction themselves.

    Adults

    • Adult Mayflies do not eat at all after emerging from the larval stage.