Drake Mackerel Mayfly vs African Diving Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Drake Mackerel Mayfly African Diving Beetle
Scientific Name Ephemera glaucops Cybister tripunctatus
Order Ephemeroptera Coleoptera
Family Ephemeridae Dytiscidae
Size 15-20 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Drake Mackerel Mayfly

A large European burrowing mayfly with distinctive dark markings on its wings. It emerges in synchronous swarms during warm summer evenings.

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Did You Know?

Swarms of this mayfly dancing over European rivers at sunset have inspired poets and naturalists for centuries.

African Diving Beetle

A large diving beetle widespread across Africa and southern Asia. It is one of the most common large aquatic beetles in tropical fresh waters.

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Did You Know?

In parts of Southeast Asia it is collected and eaten as a crunchy protein-rich snack.