American Sand Mayfly vs Cahill Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Sand Mayfly | Cahill Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dolania americana | Stenacron interpunctatum |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Behningiidae | Heptageniidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm body | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
American Sand Mayfly
Holds the record for the shortest adult lifespan of any insect — females live less than five minutes as adults, just long enough to mate and lay eggs before dying.
Did You Know?
Female Dolania americana mayflies live less than five minutes as adults — they emerge, mate, lay eggs, and die faster than most people take a coffee break.
Cahill Mayfly
A cream-to-tan colored mayfly found throughout eastern North America. It is named after the classic Light Cahill fly fishing pattern it inspired.
Did You Know?
The Light Cahill fly pattern, inspired by this mayfly, has been a staple of American fly fishing since the 1880s.