Caenis Mayfly vs Blue-winged Olive Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Caenis Mayfly Blue-winged Olive Mayfly
Scientific Name Caenis horaria Serratella ignita
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Caenidae Ephemerellidae
Size 3-6 mm 7-10 mm body
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Caenis Mayfly

One of the smallest mayflies, often called the 'angler's curse' because trout feed on them selectively. Larvae inhabit slow-flowing rivers and lake margins.

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Did You Know?

Caenis mayflies are called the angler's curse because their tiny size makes matching them with artificial flies nearly impossible.

Blue-winged Olive Mayfly

A common mayfly of clean rivers and streams with distinctive blue-grey wings. One of the most important mayflies for fly fishing. Nymphs cling to stones in fast water.

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Did You Know?

So important to fly fishers that dozens of artificial fly patterns have been designed to imitate its various life stages.