Nettle Root Weevil vs Flat-headed Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nettle Root Weevil Flat-headed Mayfly
Scientific Name Phyllobius virideaeris Epeorus assimilis
Order Coleoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Curculionidae Heptageniidae
Size 3-5 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Hedgerows Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Nettle Root Weevil

A bright green-scaled weevil found on nettles and other vegetation in spring. Extremely common but the scales wear off with age revealing black cuticle. Adults chew leaf edges.

💡

Did You Know?

Fresh specimens are brilliant metallic green, but old worn individuals look like completely different black beetles.

Flat-headed Mayfly

A stream-dwelling mayfly nymph with a flattened body for clinging to rocks in rapids.

💡

Did You Know?

Its flattened nymph shape allows it to live in the boundary layer of fast currents.