Short-adult-lifespan
Guides
Polymitarcyidae
Pale Burrowers
Polymitarcyidae is a family of burrowing mayflies comprising approximately 10 genera and more than 90 described species. The family exhibits the shortest adult lifespan among mayflies and unique biological traits including silk production by nymphs. Nymphs construct U-shaped burrows in aquatic sediments, functioning as ecosystem engineers through bioturbation. The family shows highest diversity in the Neotropical region, with Campsurinae representing the most species-rich subfamily. Adults possess atrophied legs except for the anterior legs of males.