What is it Wednesday archive: May 9, 2018

Can you identify what's in this photo?

Each Wednesday morning 

on Camp Lutherlyn's Facebook page

 the Lutherlyn Environmental Education Program posts a photo. 

Readers have all morning and afternoon 

to make their best guess about what the photo is. 

Around 6 pm LEEP provides the answer and a brief explanation.

Each week's What is it Wednesday post 

will also be posted on the Nature of Lutherlyn blog, 

 after it is posted on Facebook,

sometimes with additional bonus information. 

In addition to bringing you current editions of What is it Wednesday 

on the Nature of Lutherlyn blog, 

we will be reposting old editions,

creating a What is it Wednesday archive. 

This photo was posted as a What is it Wednesday on

May 9, 2018. 

And the answer is....

This is an adult mayfly. 

Mayflies are one of the critters we find most often in our streams at Lutherlyn. Most frequently we find the nymph stage of the mayfly, which lives in the water (and is easier to spot and catch). 

When the mayfly emerges into its adult stage, it leaves the water behind and lives the rest of its short life on land and in the air. 

Sometimes we find adult mayflies, or even get to watch them as they emerge from nymph to adult. This photo was taken just after emergence: its left wing is still a little crumpled from unfolding. 

Mayflies are great to have around because they are indicators of good water quality.

Stream studies are one of LEEP’s most popular activities during school field trips, summer camp, retreats, and other events.  

Like and follow Camp Lutherlyn on Facebook, to see What is it Wednesday posts when they come out and have the opportunity to share your guesses in the comments!