Brassy Willow Beetle vs American Sand Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brassy Willow Beetle | American Sand Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phratora vitellinae | Dolania americana |
| Order | Coleoptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Behningiidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 10-15 mm body |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Brassy Willow Beetle
A small, shiny metallic bronze to greenish beetle that feeds on willow and poplar. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in spring to colonize new willow growth.
Did You Know?
Larvae secrete salicylaldehyde, a chemical obtained from salicin in willow leaves, which smells like antiseptic and deters predators.
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.