Dark Blue Quill vs Blue-Winged Olive
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dark Blue Quill | Blue-Winged Olive |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paraleptophlebia mollis | Baetis tricaudatus |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Leptophlebiidae | Baetidae |
| Size | 6-9 mm | 5-9 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dark Blue Quill
A small dusky-winged mayfly of Appalachian headwater streams. Nymphs are slow crawlers among leaf debris in gentle currents.
Did You Know?
It is one of the earliest mayflies to emerge each spring, sometimes hatching when snow still lines the streambanks.
Blue-Winged Olive
A small olive-colored mayfly with distinctive bluish-gray wings, abundant in clean streams across North America. It produces multiple generations per year.
Did You Know?
Blue-winged olives are among the few mayflies that hatch in winter, providing vital food for trout during cold months.