Brown Drake Mayfly vs Western Ameletid Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brown Drake Mayfly Western Ameletid Mayfly
Scientific Name Ephemera simulans Ameletus cooki
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Ephemeridae Ameletidae
Size 14-20 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Brown Drake Mayfly

A large brownish mayfly with mottled wings that produces dramatic evening hatches on trout streams. Nymphs burrow in sandy and silty streambeds.

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Did You Know?

Brown drake hatches occur over just a few days each year, creating some of the most spectacular dry-fly fishing of the season.

Western Ameletid Mayfly

A streamlined mayfly found in cold mountain streams of the Pacific Northwest. Nymphs are agile swimmers that dart between cobbles in riffles.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs are strong enough swimmers to move upstream against moderate currents.