WATERFLIES

7th April 2024

Photo Credits: shurub (river scene), fabioski (inset), (Getty Images), CANVA

QUOTATION

No? Why art thou then exasperate, thou idle immaterial skein of sleave-silk,

thou green sarsanet flap for a sore eye, thou tassel of a prodigal’s purse, thou?

Ah, how the poor world is pestered with such waterflies, diminutives of nature.

THERSITE: Troilus and Cressida, Act 5, Scene 1

WATERFLIES (e.g Mayfly: Ephemera danica)

Shakespeare uses Thersites to insult Patrocles, describing him as insignificant as a waterfly. There are several species and genera which could be described as ‘Waterflies’ and it is not made clear in the text, but the Mayfly (Ephemera danica) seems particularly appropriate, as its adult stage can be extremely brief and ephemeral.

The Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) have an interesting ecology in that they can spend two years living in rivers as larvae or ‘nymphs’, they then have 2 adult stages of life, the last of which can be extremely brief, perhaps only a few hours. As well as the Mayflies, there are also Stone Flies (Plectoptera), and Cadissflies (Trichoptera). The Riverfly Partnership monitors populations of river invertebrates and works to conserve their habitats.

More Information

Folger Shakespeare: Search Shakespeare’s Works

Freshwater Biological Association: Visit Site

Riverfly Partnership: Visit Site