Giant Michigan Mayfly vs Demoiselle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Michigan Mayfly Demoiselle
Scientific Name Hexagenia bilineata Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis
Order Ephemeroptera Odonata
Family Ephemeridae Calopterygidae
Size 18-28 mm 45-48 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions North America Europe, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Michigan Mayfly

A large burrowing mayfly with two dark stripes on its thorax. Nymphs dig into soft clay and silt bottoms of large rivers.

💡

Did You Know?

Mass emergences along the Great Lakes have caused road closures due to the slippery accumulation of millions of dead adults.

Demoiselle

A Mediterranean damselfly with deeply pigmented wings and metallic body coloration.

💡

Did You Know?

Males defend stream territories and perform dramatic wing-clapping courtship flights.