Mayfly nymphs (order Ephemeroptera). The nymphs have flat bodies and strong legs with hooks on the end, which prevent them from being washed away. Pai

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Mayfly nymphs (order Ephemeroptera). The nymphs have flat bodies and strong legs with hooks on the end, which prevent them from being washed away. Pairs of undeveloped wing cases are located on the top of the thorax. There are seven pairs of gills used for respiration on the side of the abdomen. The three tails (known as cerci) attached to the end of the abdomen are sensory organs that are also used as weapons. Mayflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis, which involves three stages of development; the egg, nymph and adult stage.

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Photo credit: © DR KEITH WHEELER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
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