Hexagenia

Hexagenia is a genus of mayflies in the family Ephemeridae, the common burrower mayflies. These are large insects, widely distributed across North America. They are common near bodies of water, and are important food sources for fish and other organisms, as well as being notable insects to the fly fishing community.

== General information == Hexagenia is a genus of large mayflies, primarily native to the northern United States and Canada. Some species have ranges that extend as far south as Mexico and Central America. They are commonly referred to as "giant mayflies", or "burrowing mayflies" as their nymphal stages construct U-shaped, ventilated burrows in the aquatic substrate at the bottom of lakes, streams, and ponds. These mayflies can construct burrows in a variety of materials, with different species preferring different substrates, such as clay, silt, and sand.