Cahill Mayfly vs White-Stockinged Black Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cahill Mayfly White-Stockinged Black Fly
Scientific Name Stenacron interpunctatum Simulium vittatum
Order Ephemeroptera Diptera
Family Heptageniidae Simuliidae
Size 8-12 mm 2-5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Blood Feeders
Regions North America North America
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.

White-Stockinged Black Fly

A widespread black fly species complex with distinctive white-banded legs. Larvae colonize almost any flowing water from irrigation ditches to large rivers.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most commonly encountered black fly species in laboratory research.