This mayfly breeds in stationary water in slow rivers and in ponds, the nymphs developing in the mud.

The wings are more heavily veined and the upper side of the abdomen has pairs of dark lateral markings on each segment.

The motile, filamentous gills of E. vulgata seem to act as secondary respiratory surfaces and their presence is necessary to the nymph in the low-oxygen environment in which it lives.

[3] The sediment in which the nymphs live is rich in organic material, and in polluted environments, heavy metals may accumulate.

[6] This swarming activity takes place between June and August, in the morning and evening and at other time of day, influenced by the temperature and amount of cloud cover.