Skip to Content

Mayflies hatch, in some places blanketing downtown sidewalks and roads

By WCCO Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Mayflies covered the sidewalks and just about everything around downtown St. Paul Thursday morning.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the short-lived insects are found in almost all freshwater systems.

Mayflies are very sensitive to chemical pollutants and decreased oxygen levels. A large hatch can be considered a good sign for the health of our environment.

The mayflies also act as food for birds and fish.

Last summer, Hastings shut off street and parking lot lights in the downtown area, as well as along the bridge and riverfront, when it came time for the mayfly hatch.

Some years, the mayfly hatches can actually be seen on radar, though WCCO director of meteorology Mike Augustyniak says that wasn’t the case with this week’s hatching.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Article Topic Follows: CNN - Regional

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

CNN Newsource

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content