Banded Blackfly vs Blue-winged Olive Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Banded Blackfly Blue-winged Olive Mayfly
Scientific Name Simulium ornatum Serratella ignita
Order Diptera Ephemeroptera
Family Simuliidae Ephemerellidae
Size 2-4 mm 7-10 mm body
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Banded Blackfly

A widespread European black fly species complex found in diverse stream types. Larvae filter-feed from silken pads attached to trailing vegetation and stones.

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Did You Know?

Recent DNA studies revealed that what was considered one species is actually a complex of several cryptic species.

Blue-winged Olive Mayfly

A common mayfly of clean rivers and streams with distinctive blue-grey wings. One of the most important mayflies for fly fishing. Nymphs cling to stones in fast water.

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Did You Know?

So important to fly fishers that dozens of artificial fly patterns have been designed to imitate its various life stages.