Dark Blue Quill vs Small Minnow Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Blue Quill Small Minnow Mayfly
Scientific Name Paraleptophlebia mollis Callibaetis ferrugineus
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Leptophlebiidae Baetidae
Size 6-9 mm 7-11 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
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.

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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.

Small Minnow Mayfly

A mottled brown mayfly common in still waters across North America. Nymphs are excellent swimmers that mimic small minnows.

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Did You Know?

It can produce up to three generations per year in warm climates.