Japanese Burrowing Mayfly vs Flat-headed Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Burrowing Mayfly Flat-headed Mayfly
Scientific Name Ephemera japonica Epeorus assimilis
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Ephemeridae Heptageniidae
Size 15-25 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Japan, East Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Burrowing Mayfly

A large burrowing mayfly native to Japanese rivers and streams. It emerges in large numbers during early summer evenings.

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Did You Know?

It is culturally significant in Japan, where mayfly emergence has been celebrated in poetry for centuries.

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.