Common Mayfly vs Small Spurwing Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Mayfly | Small Spurwing Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ephemera danica | Centroptilum luteolum |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Ephemeridae | Baetidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm body | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Detritivores |
| 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.
Small Spurwing Mayfly
A tiny, elegant mayfly with a distinctive spur on its hindwing. It is widespread in European streams and rivers with good water quality.
Did You Know?
Unlike most mayflies that swarm over water, small spurwings often emerge individually and drift with the current.