New Zealand Mayfly vs March Brown Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Mayfly March Brown Mayfly
Scientific Name Deleatidium lillii Rhithrogena germanica
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Leptophlebiidae Heptageniidae
Size 7-11 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions New Zealand Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

New Zealand Mayfly

The most abundant and widespread mayfly genus in New Zealand. Nymphs dominate the invertebrate fauna of stony streams throughout both islands.

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Did You Know?

It is the most commonly used bioindicator insect for water quality testing in New Zealand.

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.

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Did You Know?

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