A. Mayflies are found just about everywhere in flowing water - on and under rocks and woody debris, burrowing in the sand and muddy substratum, on plant stems and leaves - you name it, they'll be there. They are not free-swimming, however, although some do leave the substratum for brief excursions into the water column. In ponds and lakes, though, they are pretty much restricted to the shallow water regions except for one family that inhabits the muddy bottom in deeper water.

Mayflies are herbivorous, carnivorous, and omnivorous. They feed on algae and other microinvertebrates that they scrape from the surface of stones, collect detritus by scavenging or filtering it from the water column, and some species feed on smaller invertebrates. ~ Bert

If you have a question, please feel free to contact me.
~ C. E. (Bert) Cushing, aka Streamdoctor
105 W. Cherokee Dr.
Estes Park, CO 80517
Phone: 970-577-1584
Email: streamdoctor@aol.com

The 'Stream Doctor' is a retired professional stream ecologist and author, now living in the West and spending way too much time fly-fishing. You are invited to submit questions relating to anything stream related directly to him for use in this Q & A Feature at streamdoctor@aol.com.