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Glite Dictionary
Ephemeridae

Ephemeridae

9.9
A group of small insects called mayflies that live near water and have very short adult lives
  • noun
  • /ɪˈfɛmərɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Ephemeridae
  • The Ephemeridae are known for their extremely short adult lifespan, sometimes lasting only a day.

Examples

  • Scientists collected specimens from the Ephemeridae family to study their life cycle.

  • Unlike other insects, most species within the Ephemeridae emerge synchronously each year.

  • The Ephemeridae are fascinating insects that emerge in large swarms.

  • Did you know that Ephemeridae only live for a few days?

  • Researchers observed a large gathering of Ephemeridae near the riverbank, attracted by the light.

  • The aquatic life cycle of the Ephemeridae includes a brief adult stage that lasts just a few hours.

  • After a storm, the surface of the water was covered with the tiny bodies of Ephemeridae that had completed their short life cycle.

Surface Forms

Ephemeridae singular
Ephemeridaes plural

Etymology

Ephemeridae comes from the Greek root ephemeros, which means 'lasting a day', and it shares this root with the English word ephemeral. That's why this family of mayflies is named for their very short adult life, often lasting only 'a day'.