Flat-headed Mayfly vs Creek Pacer Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flat-headed Mayfly Creek Pacer Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Epeorus assimilis Chlaenius tricolor
Order Ephemeroptera Coleoptera
Family Heptageniidae Carabidae
Size 10-14 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Europe North America, from Canada to the southern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Flat-headed Mayfly

A stream-dwelling mayfly nymph with a flattened body for clinging to rocks in rapids.

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Did You Know?

Its flattened nymph shape allows it to live in the boundary layer of fast currents.

Creek Pacer Ground Beetle

A handsome ground beetle with bright metallic green elytra, a bluish pronotum, and reddish-brown legs. It is commonly found near streams and rivers across North America.

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Did You Know?

Like other Chlaenius species, it produces a strong, distinctive odor from defensive glands that some collectors describe as smelling like leather or wet dog.