Arctic Mayfly vs Iron Blue Dun

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arctic Mayfly Iron Blue Dun
Scientific Name Baetis bundyae Baetis muticus
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Baetidae Baetidae
Size 5-8 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Arctic Canada, Alaska, northern Scandinavia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Arctic Mayfly

A small, delicate mayfly with transparent wings and two long tail filaments. Nymphs are agile swimmers in cold Arctic streams. Adults emerge for a very brief mating flight during the short Arctic summer.

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Did You Know?

Adult mayflies live only a few hours to a few days, just long enough to mate and lay eggs before dying.

Iron Blue Dun

A small dark mayfly that hatches prolifically on cool overcast days. Nymphs are found clinging to stones in moderate to fast current.

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Did You Know?

Hatches are most prolific during rain and cold snaps, making it a favorite species for wet-weather anglers.