Dark Blue Quill vs Cinnamon Sedge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Blue Quill Cinnamon Sedge
Scientific Name Paraleptophlebia mollis Limnephilus lunatus
Order Ephemeroptera Trichoptera
Family Leptophlebiidae Limnephilidae
Size 6-9 mm 11-15 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions North America Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the earliest mayflies to emerge each spring, sometimes hatching when snow still lines the streambanks.

Cinnamon Sedge

A medium-sized caddisfly with warm cinnamon-brown wings bearing a crescent-shaped pale marking. Common near still waters throughout Europe.

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Did You Know?

This species is remarkably tolerant of poor water quality and is often one of the last caddisflies remaining in polluted waters.