Dark Blue Quill vs Brown Drake Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dark Blue Quill | Brown Drake Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paraleptophlebia mollis | Ephemera simulans |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Leptophlebiidae | Ephemeridae |
| Size | 6-9 mm | 14-20 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.
Brown Drake Mayfly
A large brownish mayfly with mottled wings that produces dramatic evening hatches on trout streams. Nymphs burrow in sandy and silty streambeds.
Did You Know?
Brown drake hatches occur over just a few days each year, creating some of the most spectacular dry-fly fishing of the season.