Brushleg Mayfly vs Green Chironomid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brushleg Mayfly Green Chironomid
Scientific Name Isonychia bicolor Tanytarsus pallidicornis
Order Ephemeroptera Diptera
Family Isonychiidae Chironomidae
Size 12-18 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Brushleg Mayfly

A large, fast-swimming mayfly with forelegs fringed with bristles for filter feeding. Nymphs inhabit swift riffles of large streams and rivers.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most mayflies, nymphs crawl out of water onto rocks to emerge as adults rather than hatching at the surface.

Green Chironomid

A small greenish midge common in clean flowing water habitats. Larvae build portable silk tubes attached to stone surfaces.

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Did You Know?

Males form dense aerial mating swarms at dusk that resemble rising columns of smoke above waterways.