Mountain Net-Winged Midge vs Blue-Winged Olive

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mountain Net-Winged Midge Blue-Winged Olive
Scientific Name Blepharicera capitata Baetis tricaudatus
Order Diptera Ephemeroptera
Family Blephariceridae Baetidae
Size 7-11 mm 5-9 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mountain Net-Winged Midge

A large net-winged midge of Appalachian mountain streams. Larvae require extremely clean, well-oxygenated water flowing over smooth bedrock.

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Did You Know?

Females of some Blepharicera species are predatory on other small flies, catching them with their raptorial mouthparts.

Blue-Winged Olive

A small olive-colored mayfly with distinctive bluish-gray wings, abundant in clean streams across North America. It produces multiple generations per year.

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Did You Know?

Blue-winged olives are among the few mayflies that hatch in winter, providing vital food for trout during cold months.