Experimental studies on nymphal growth in Leptophlebia vespertina (L.) (Ephemeroptera)

The mayfly, Leptophlebia vespertina (L.) was reared at field temperatures in the laboratory. The egg incubation period was 21–26 days. There were seventeen to nineteen nymphal instars. Growth was generally rapid during the first 3½ months and slow thereafter. This change occurred at the same time in both the laboratory and the field population. Temperature is considered to be the major factor regulating this and other changes in growth rate.