Common Silverfish vs Black Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Silverfish Black Mayfly
Scientific Name Lepisma saccharina Ephemera danica var. nigra
Order Zygentoma Ephemeroptera
Family Lepismatidae Ephemeridae
Size 8-13 mm 15-25 mm body
Habitat Underground Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Worldwide Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Silverfish

The most well-known silverfish species, found in homes and buildings worldwide. It has a silvery, torpedo-shaped body covered in fine scales.

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Did You Know?

It can survive for over a year without eating.

Black Mayfly

A dark color variant of the common Green Drake mayfly found in some European populations. The dark form is more prevalent in upland, acidic waters. Important for trout feeding.

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Did You Know?

The dark form predominates in acidic upland streams while the typical yellow form prefers alkaline lowland rivers.