07/01/2025
The sulphur dun (Ameletopsis perscitus) sub-imago is perhaps Aotearoa's most beautiful mayfly. These vibrant insects are graceful in form, flight, and fate. Adult sulphur duns — like most mayflies — do not have functional mouthparts and only live for several days or even hours (hence, the eloquent name for the mayfly order — Ephemeroptera). Their brief existence as an imago is rather poetic — take to the air, make elegant love, then return to the earth. Conversely, the nymphs of this species are rather savage wee beasts. While most mayfly nymphs scrape away at organic matter on rocks, or filter feed, sulphur dun nymphs seize invertebrate prey with speed and vigour. Using their large, skull-like heads, they lurch forward and hoover in their victims as fast as you can blink. Indeed, a disturbing juxtaposition to their dainty adult form. Such is nature. I encountered this sulphur dun one humid evening while wading through a crisp, forested stream. If I were merely an hour earlier, or later, I may have never beheld this exquisite insect. Appreciate each moment, for wonder can be so… ephemeral. 🍌🌿
Otago, New Zealand.
To celebrate some of Aotearoa's most distinguished critters, I will be uploading a series of posts dedicated to several candidates for New Zealand's Bug of the Year (2025). The sulphur dun is just one of many marvelous contenders! Please follow the link below to cast your vote! Who do you think should be crowned 2025's undisputed 'Bug of the Year'?! 🪲🦗🐌🐛🪳🦋🕷️
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https://bugoftheyear.ento.org.nz/
