March Brown Mayfly vs South African Prong-Gill Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute March Brown Mayfly South African Prong-Gill Mayfly
Scientific Name Rhithrogena germanica Adenophlebia auriculata
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Heptageniidae Leptophlebiidae
Size 10-14 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions Europe Southern Africa
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

March Brown Mayfly

A spring-emerging mayfly with a brownish body and two tails, historically important to European fly fishing. Its flat nymphs cling to rocks in fast water.

💡

Did You Know?

This species has declined significantly in many European rivers due to pollution and is now considered an indicator of water quality.

South African Prong-Gill Mayfly

A mayfly endemic to southern African mountain streams. Nymphs have distinctive forked gills used for respiration in oxygen-rich rapids.

💡

Did You Know?

Its uniquely forked gills are found only in African leptophlebiid mayflies.