Black Mayfly vs Cold-water Glacier Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Mayfly | Cold-water Glacier Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ephemera danica var. nigra | Diamesa cinerella |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ephemeridae | Chironomidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm body | 3-4 mm body length |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Alps, Scandinavia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Black Mayfly
A dark color variant of the common Green Drake mayfly found in some European populations. The dark form is more prevalent in upland, acidic waters. Important for trout feeding.
Did You Know?
The dark form predominates in acidic upland streams while the typical yellow form prefers alkaline lowland rivers.
Cold-water Glacier Midge
A cold-adapted midge found in high-altitude streams fed by snowmelt. Its larvae are among the first colonizers of newly formed glacial streams.
Did You Know?
Adults can emerge and fly at temperatures just above freezing.