Ephemeroptera are fascinating insects and my "favorite fairies". Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) are the oldest living winged insects, having appeared over 300 million years ago. The larva lives a strictly aquatic life, lasting up to 3 years depending on the species, while the adult is an aerial, winged insect, with a life span of no more than a few days (hence the name "ephemeroptera"). I have the pleasure of observing them at nearby ponds or even in my own garden. They regularly make me happy by landing on me, and it's not unusual for some of them to accompany me on my walks. The pretty fairy in this photo was drying her wings at sunrise when I discovered her between the dewdrops. It was during one of my many trips to the nearby village ponds that I discovered this fairy adorned with ephemeral diamonds.