Common Mayfly vs Banded Blackfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Mayfly | Banded Blackfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ephemera danica | Simulium ornatum |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ephemeridae | Simuliidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm body | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Mayfly
Adults have no functional mouths and live only 1-3 days. Massive synchronized emergences called "hatches" are among natures great spectacles. Excellent water quality indicators.
Did You Know?
Mayflies have the shortest adult lifespan of any insect — some species live just 5 minutes as adults, long enough only to mate. They are the only insects with a winged sub-adult stage.
Banded Blackfly
A widespread European black fly species complex found in diverse stream types. Larvae filter-feed from silken pads attached to trailing vegetation and stones.
Did You Know?
Recent DNA studies revealed that what was considered one species is actually a complex of several cryptic species.