Fish flies: Good guys that get a bad rap - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Fish flies: Good guys that get a bad rap

Posted: Updated:
Mayfly  (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com) Mayfly (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -

Downtown Mount Clemens and even further inland this season as far as Sterling Heights, wind patterns have carried some fish flies where not fish fly has gone before, or at least it seems that way.

Before we go any further this correction.  You call them fish flies, but Metroparks naturalist Nick Di Cresce explained they are actually mayflies.

He said these critters that some call creepy are misunderstood.  The reason the mayflies come out?  Love is in the air.

"When they come out of the water, it's basically all about making babies," Di Cresce told us.  "They don't eat.  They're basically just up here mating."

So, even though these mayflies may be bugging you during the month of June, naturalists at the Metroparks say they're actually good news.  They're indicators of a good environment.

"These guys are a great indicator of fresh water, so clean water.  If you don't have them, it's definitely time to worry," said Di Cresce.

Before mating season, they spend two years under water where they're credited with eating decaying algae keeping our water clean.

So, Di Cresce says they're to good guys that get a really bad rap.

Another reason not to shun mayflies is that they're good for the food chain, too.  Robins, toads and frogs are happy to see them out and about this June.

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 3:49 PM EDT2013-05-23 19:49:26 GMT
    Police say a 12-year-old girl who was found hanged left a suicide note that spoke of being bullied online.
    Police say a 12-year-old girl who was found hanged left a suicide note that spoke of being bullied online.
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 3:31 PM EDT2013-05-23 19:31:10 GMT
    Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
    Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 3:18 PM EDT2013-05-23 19:18:28 GMT
    Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
    Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Powered by WorldNow
Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices