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metamorphosis
life stages of insects
Larvae Stage
Pupa Stage
Nymph Stage
Adult Stage
keys to Mayflies
keys to Stoneflies
keys to Caddisflies
keys to Midges

Adult Life Stage

Mayfly, Order: Ephemeroptera

If the wings stand upright at rest and there is a small set of hind wings its probably a mayfly. Mayfies can have 2 or 3 tails. Go to mayfly keys.

Caddisfly, Order: Trichoptera

Caddis have tent-like wings that are covered with fine hairs. They may also have very long antennae. Go to caddis larva. Go to caddis pupa.

Stonefly, Order: Plecoptera

Stoneflies have wings that lie flat on their body when they are at rest. Stoneflies only have 2 tails which are sometimes very short. Go to stonefly nymph.

Dragonfly, Order: Odonata
Illustration by Andy Cooper

A dragonfly's abdomen is very long and slender. Its wings will lay flat out perpendicular to its sides. Go to dragonfly nymph.