Mayfly - Ephemera danica

Ephemera danica is one of the most common mayfly species. The larva lives most of its life protected in the sandy or muddy ground of the water.
After about 2 years, the preadult insect emerges from the larval skin. The model shows this moment.

After a further molt to the sexually mature insect, the only goal is reproduction. The adult insects do not even have mouthparts as they do not consume any food. They die immediately after mating or egg deposition.