Do Mayflies Eat Mosquitoes?

What is the reason and why people want to know whether, do mayflies eat mosquitoes or not? The reason behind this dates back to 1976, when people actually tried to eradicate mosquitoes completely from our society. Yes people have tried that too, but failed miserably. So, it was finally accepted that we shall fight and protect ourselves from these pesky buzzing pests.

People have been searching for different means to control mosquito population by killing mosquito larvae at the developmental stage itself. Thereafter, people started focusing on natural predators that feed on mosquitoes like dragonflies and damselflies. At that time people came across the possibility of mayflies that also may be feeding on mosquitoes.

What are mayflies?

Mayflies are aquatic insects found in fresh water sources and belongs to the same group of insects which includes dragonflies and damselflies. Its scientific name is Ephemeroptera. They represents a healthy ecosystem. According to Wikipedia, there are over 3000 species of mayflies known worldwide. The immature mayflies called as nymphs, which is the larval stage, can live in water for several years.

These nymphs undergoes multiple molting process also called instars and than finally molts into a subimago which is the last aquatic stage before they emerge as an adult mayfly. This subimago has developed wings but still in an immature stage, and physically weak and sexually immature for reproducing. Finally this subimago within 1 or 2 days transforms into Imago which is an adult mayfly.

Lifecycle of Mayflies

The adult stage of mayflies has a very short lifespan. The adult mayflies do not live more than few hours to few days. The adult stage of mayflies has only a single primary purpose to serve that is reproduction. They are seen in large swarms during the mating season.

The mayflies undergo an aquatic larva stage similar to mosquitoes. At this larval stage they live under water as nymphs. The larval stage of mayflies span to almost several months to years. These mayflies larvae specifically feeds on algae, detritus, decaying organic matter and plant waste. Mainly herbivorous diet which focuses on organic plant matter and micro organisms.

The diet of mayfly larvae is totally different from dragonfly larvae which eats mosquito larvae. Some studies suggests that although mayfly larvae don’t eat mosquito larvae but they maintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem and a more balanced environment which limits the growth and proliferation of mosquito larvae in any freshwater environment.

Do mayflies eat mosquitoes?

As we all know mayflies have a very short adult lifespan, and are mainly involved in reproduction in their adult stage. They hardly lives for few hours or not more than a couple of days. Adult mayflies actually don’t feed, they don’t have the required mouth parts to feed. They lack a functional mouth system to consume or feed and therefore eating mosquitoes is just out of question.

Also, the mayfly larvae which has a herbivores diet and feeds only by scavenging on organic matters and decomposing organic waste, algae etc. Therefore they too don’t eat mosquito larvae as like larvae of dragonflies and damselflies do. But they actually helps in maintaining the population of mosquitoes under control by cleaning the water sources by scavenging on organic wastes and plant based diet.

Thus, they helps in maintaining an ecosystem which controls the mosquito larvae and discourage mosquito breeding in such waters.

Other known natural predators of mosquitoes

As its confirmed that mayflies do not eat mosquitoes, but there are other insects, birds and animals out there that feed on mosquitoes. These natural predators of mosquitoes includes:

• Dragonflies: These are most important natural predators that feed on mosquitoes. The adult dragonflies as well as its larvae both prey on mosquitoes and effectively control mosquito population.
• Damselflies: Only the larvae of damselflies feed on mosquito larvae in in standing waters and other aquatic environment.
• Fish: Many fish species like gambusia, guppies, goldfish, etc. feed on mosquito larvae.
• Frogs and toads: Amphibians like frogs and toads do feed on mosquitoes as well as their larvae.
• Birds: Many insectivorous birds like purple martins, swallows, house wrens, cardinals, etc. feed on mosquitoes.
• Bats: Bats consume many insects in their diet including mosquitoes.
• Spiders: Some of the spider species do feed on mosquitoes.

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Conclusion: About mayflies eating mosquitoes

Mayflies do not eat mosquitoes, nether the adult mayflies nor the mayfly larvae. The adult mayfly cant feed due to lack of functional mouth. And the mayfly larvae feeds mainly on organic waste and decaying plant matters. This scavenging act of mayfly larvae helps to maintain the ecosystem and their presence indicates a good water quality.

But, in short mayflies are not the solution for mosquito problem we are facing everywhere all around the world. We should focus on encouraging other natural predators in our surroundings. We must follow mosquito control and prevention guidelines regularly to protect ourselves including our pets.