Marbled Sedge vs Arctic Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Marbled Sedge Arctic Mayfly
Scientific Name Hydropsyche contubernalis Baetis bundyae
Order Trichoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Hydropsychidae Baetidae
Size 12-18 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Tundra & Arctic
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Arctic Canada, Alaska, northern Scandinavia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Marbled Sedge

A net-spinning caddisfly with distinctly marbled wing patterns. It is common in larger European rivers and is tolerant of moderate levels of organic enrichment.

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Did You Know?

Marbled sedge larvae are territorial and will aggressively defend their net-spinning sites from rivals.

Arctic Mayfly

A small, delicate mayfly with transparent wings and two long tail filaments. Nymphs are agile swimmers in cold Arctic streams. Adults emerge for a very brief mating flight during the short Arctic summer.

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Did You Know?

Adult mayflies live only a few hours to a few days, just long enough to mate and lay eggs before dying.