Common Mayfly vs Emerald-spotted Flatwing Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Mayfly | Emerald-spotted Flatwing Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ephemera danica | Phaon iridipennis |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Odonata |
| Family | Ephemeridae | Calopterygidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm body | 40-50 mm body length |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda) |
| 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.
Emerald-spotted Flatwing Damselfly
A stunning damselfly with metallic green and blue body and broad, iridescent wings with emerald spots. Males display by opening and closing their wings to attract females along streams.
Did You Know?
Males perform elaborate courtship displays, hovering in front of females while slowly fanning their iridescent wings to catch the sunlight.