2006-07-05 01:38:04 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Well, Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) have usually very standard seasonal development. The name mayfly is a common name and should not be taken literally. There are several species that overwinter as nymphs and emerge in the month of may, and it is most likely those species that attributed to the name. Mayflies are ephemeral insects...meaning they only live for a very short time as adults, usually from 1day to a week tops. It would be more advantageous for them to emerge in the month of June or july to avoid the spring rains. They do not live long, and they only have one chance to mate and fulfill their biological fitness requirements. If there is a week of rain, the adults will not be able to fly and will not lay eggs, this would shrink the numbers of these insects significantly, possibly endangering their numbers. So evolutionarily speaking, nature favored those that would emerge later in the season with a larger reproductive potential. So I guess adaptation and evolutin are the answer to your question. Did you know that adult mayflies dont even have mouthparts........they dont even feed as adults. But certain species can live from 1-5 years as nymphs, so they do live a life, it isnt a complete whaste of time. Thats a good question! Hope that helps!
2006-07-05 03:54:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, first do you mean Mayflies or May beetles?
Different kinds of Mayflies, which are aquatic as
juveniles, emerge at different times of year. Some
of the largest ones, in the genus Hexagenia, may
come out in July. However the time of year for
both Mayflies and May beetles (the latter also
called June bugs) differs depending on the local
climate.
The so-called June bugs were probably named
by someone in New England, where they may
really come out in June. The name May beetle
would have originated further south where they
come out earlier. Still further south they appear in
April, and in the most southern states of the U.S.
they may come out even earlier.
2006-07-06 12:12:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am assuming you mean the cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) also known as the maybug. This is a large (up to 35mm long) heavy beetle which can come crashing into lighted windows, and windscreens at night in early summer.
It has several close relatives, the Rosechafer (Cetonia aurata) the Gardenchafer (Phyllopertha horticola) and the Pinechafer (Polyphylla fullo) which can be up to 40mm long.
It could be that it is the relatives that are flying in July, or merely that the season is very late this year.
All are harmless to humans, but their larvae often called rook worms as it is said rooks are very partial to them eat plant roots, particularly those of cereals.
The Pinechafer can cause serious damage to pine foliage.
2006-07-14 09:14:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because coming out in May would not give them a sun tan?
2006-07-12 12:35:35 · answer #4 · answered by A G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Late spring. Lots of nature is out of whack. The swans only managed three cygnets per pair this year.
2006-07-05 08:40:11 · answer #5 · answered by wild_eep 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bugs just cannot tell time.
2006-07-05 08:40:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably ur july is like may
2006-07-10 15:26:44 · answer #7 · answered by Chesh » 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always heard them called June Bugs.
But it's just a name.
For example if your name means "sweet and wonderful" that doens't mean you are. It's just your name.
2006-07-17 17:01:24 · answer #8 · answered by helpme1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't know what a calendar is,or the person that named them dosen't.
2006-07-05 08:42:16 · answer #9 · answered by bodybutternut 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they haven't got a caledar!
2006-07-14 18:39:42 · answer #10 · answered by crl_cpr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋