Drake Mackerel Mayfly vs Autumn Dun

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Drake Mackerel Mayfly Autumn Dun
Scientific Name Ephemera glaucops Leptophlebia marginata
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Ephemeridae Leptophlebiidae
Size 15-20 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe Europe
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.

Autumn Dun

A dark-winged mayfly that emerges in spring despite its common name. Nymphs inhabit slow-flowing sections of woodland streams among leaf litter.

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Did You Know?

Its common name refers to the brownish autumnal color of the adult, not its emergence season.