Black Mayfly vs March Brown Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Mayfly | March Brown Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ephemera danica var. nigra | Rhithrogena germanica |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Ephemeridae | Heptageniidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm body | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
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.
March Brown Mayfly
A spring-emerging mayfly with a brownish body and two tails, historically important to European fly fishing. Its flat nymphs cling to rocks in fast water.
Did You Know?
This species has declined significantly in many European rivers due to pollution and is now considered an indicator of water quality.