Mayfly with detritus

Subject: Bug with a flower butt?
Location: Penhook,VA
May 26, 2013 4:44 am
I saw this bug last summer at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia (near Roanoke). It is on a size 10 flip flop in the photo. And it appeared to have a flower growing out of the hind end.
Signature: Collins, VA

Hi Collins,
This insect is a Mayfly in the order Ephemeroptera.  The flower is most likely just detritus that has accidentally stuck to the Mayfly, perhaps just after metamorphosis when the insect was softer and damp.