Decline of the mayfly and its impact on ecosystems around the world

Mayflies have long been indicators of the ecological health of the lakes, rivers, and streams. The more mayflies present in water, the better the water quality.

But scientists from Virginia Tech and the University of Notre Dame recently discovered that a particular species of burrowing mayfly had a population decrease of nearly 84 percent from 2015 to 2019.

Virginia Tech associate professor of entomology, Sally Entrekin, is available for interviews to discuss these findings as well as the use of radar in determining how mayfly swarms are growing smaller. 

Read the full story here.  

Fish, birds, bats, and other animals consume the mayflies as a source of food and nutrients. Some insect-eating birds in these areas have synchronized breeding habits that coincide with mayfly emergence, and they rely on them as a high-quality food source for their young. These bird populations have also taken a downturn, which has been partially attributed to the lack of insects to eat, particularly aquatic insects.

Schedule an interview

To secure a live or recorded interview with Sally Entrekin, contact Bill Foy by email, or by phone at 540-998-0288.

Our studio

Virginia Tech’s television and radio studios can broadcast live HD audio and video to networks, news outlets, and affiliates interviewing Virginia Tech faculty and staff. The university does not charge for use of its studios. Video is transmitted by LTN Global Communications, Skype, or file sharing (Dropbox, Google Drive, We-Transfer, etc.). Radio interviews can be transmitted by ISDN, Comrex, or file sharing. 

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