I scarcely see mayflies in Chicago; they are a common-enough species here, but their rapid life-spans and diminutive size render them particularly hard to spot. Because of their visual scarcity, it often takes more than a casual moment for me to realize that what I’ve seen might have been a mayfly. This critter is the prefect example. I’ve never seen a mayfly with such glaringly white eyes. From its insect-chimera shape alone, I thought it was some kind of rare dwarf-dragonfly, something hitherto unknown in this part of the world. It wasn’t until today that I realized the weird dwarf-dragonfly-chimera was—indeed—a mayfly. Given the lifespan of the species, it’s safe to say “was.” As adults, most mayflies have no need to eat. Reproduction is their only adult purpose. I suspect this specimen is an adult near the beginning of its adult phase—and thus, near the end of its life. I saw this unexpected beauty on the condensation-jeweled window of a dental clinic in one of Chicago’s innumerable (not entirely interesting) suburbs. My father and I, along with one other crewman, were expected to deliver a moderate-sized load to an expanding office. We arrived early, and so I had time to just linger around (sneaking a smoke break) and looking for small and interesting things to photograph. I noticed this glassy marvel of a creature and found myself entranced. The eyes were what grabbed my attention. After snapping a number of photographs, the clear, glassy abdomen intrigued me, as did the rear-end feelers like strands of spun, flexible glass. In short, the entire creature seemed oddly crystalline, visually challenging, and strangely at home amid dewdrops of condensation on mundane office-window glass. I was intrigued by the glass tones, the dewdrop tones, and the distorted colors of child-friendly jungle-gym equipment intended for the youngest and most hyperactive receivers of dental care. I was quite anxious to post this picture right after I’d taken it, but the first part of Pup’s story had already been posted, and rather than subject readers to a delayed conclusion, I simply allowed Pup his say; and, as it stands, I’m posting this image now. I can’t say that I enjoy moving heavy equipment into and out of dental offices, but I do like the odd day on which I get to see mayflies sauntering—oh so casually—trough vertical fields of dew. As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you're all at the start of another great week.