Mother of Pearl Caddisfly vs Yellow May Dun

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mother of Pearl Caddisfly Yellow May Dun
Scientific Name Mystacides azurea Heptagenia sulphurea
Order Trichoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Leptoceridae Heptageniidae
Size 7-10 mm 10-15 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mother of Pearl Caddisfly

A small iridescent caddisfly with long antennae and pearly blue-green wings. It swarms in large mating flights over lakes and slow rivers.

💡

Did You Know?

The iridescent wing scales of this caddisfly create a shimmering blue-green appearance unique among the Trichoptera.

Yellow May Dun

A bright sulfur-yellow mayfly common across European rivers during early summer. Its flat nymphs are adapted to fast-flowing water on stony substrates.

💡

Did You Know?

The striking yellow color of this mayfly makes it one of the most easily recognizable species on European rivers.