Subject: Transparent insect
Location: Australia, Melbourne
March 10, 2016 4:38 pm
Hi, I saw this fella as I was leaving the house for work this morning. Didn’t have a lot of time to stand around so I took a quick snapshot and left. It didn’t move once. I estimate it’s between 1-2cm in total length.
Signature: K
Dear K,
The insect, most likely a Mayfly, has flown away, leaving behind this exuvia, or cast off exoskeleton. Since Mayfly larvae are aquatic, we are guessing you live near water.
Hi,
Sorry a little late seeing this reply. Thank you for taking the time!
Actually I live in the suburbs but the closest river is about 3 km away so I guess it’s not surprising. This is the first time I’ve seen one though and figured it wasn’t alive when it stayed there for about a week lol.
Thanks again!
I was taught (on BugGuide) that it’s always plural “exuviae” (‘like “clothes”).
You are correct, but there was a singular exuvia in the posted image.
We live at Bella Vista NSW in nine storey retirement community apartment. We have thousands of these mayfly excuviae covering our windows and glass doors. Our apartments face a small lake (actually a retention pond). How do we eradicate the mayflies as the excuvae are very difficult to live with? Thank you