[NatureNS] directional mayfly

DKIM-Signature: v=1; a=rsa-sha256; c=relaxed/relaxed;
Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2013 14:44:54 -0300
From: nancy dowd <nancypdowd@gmail.com>
To: naturens <naturens@chebucto.ns.ca>
Precedence: bulk
Return-Path: <naturens-mml-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>
Original-Recipient: rfc822;"| (cd /csuite/info/Environment/FNSN/MList; /csuite/lib/arch2html)"

next message in archive
next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects


This mayfly (Ephemeroptera) landed on my shirt Wednesday evening. It
is possibly one of the burrowing mayflies (Ephemeridae). Perhaps
someone knows its ID:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92981528@N08/9319239733/

I nudged it onto a paper to show its 2 tail filaments using the flash:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92981528@N08/9319237905/

The really interesting thing about this mayfly was how it maintained
its direction. Every time I moved the paper for a better view it would
immediately move back to its original bearing (approximately south)
just like a compass needle. I have no idea what it could be orienting
towards (direction, sun, wind, smell) or if this is normal for
mayflies and perhaps other insects that emerge en masse to breed (such
as flying ants).

Nancy

next message in archive
next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects