Cahill Mayfly vs Mountain Bristletail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cahill Mayfly Mountain Bristletail
Scientific Name Stenacron interpunctatum Trigoniophthalmus alternatus
Order Ephemeroptera Archaeognatha
Family Heptageniidae Machilidae
Size 8-12 mm 10-15 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions North America Central Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cahill Mayfly

A cream-to-tan colored mayfly found throughout eastern North America. It is named after the classic Light Cahill fly fishing pattern it inspired.

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Did You Know?

The Light Cahill fly pattern, inspired by this mayfly, has been a staple of American fly fishing since the 1880s.

Mountain Bristletail

A large bristletail found in forests and rocky habitats across central Europe. It has distinctive triangular compound eyes that meet on top of its head.

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Did You Know?

Its genus name refers to its triangular eyes, a key identifying feature.