Mayfly                  (Ephemeroptera danica)

Any of a group of insects whose adult form lives only very briefly in the spring. The larval stage, which can last a year or more, is passed in water, the adult form developing gradually from the nymph through successive moults. The adult has transparent, net-veined wings which are not folded over the body when at rest, but are held aloft; this characteristic has earned mayflies the alternative name of ‘upwing flies’. All adult mayflies, which are very short-lived, fly weakly on their wings.  Mayflies are so called because in many species the adults emerge in May. They are not true flies, however, but belong to the order Ephemeroptera, the most primitive group of winged insects.

This specimen was seen at Prudhoe on the banks of the Tyne, due to a slight breeze the insect was clinging onto the leaf  for dear life.

Top image - Canon 30D Vivitar 100mm macro lens.