New Zealand Mayfly vs White Miller Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Mayfly White Miller Mayfly
Scientific Name Deleatidium lillii Ephoron virgo
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Leptophlebiidae Polymitarcyidae
Size 7-11 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions New Zealand Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

New Zealand Mayfly

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

💡

Did You Know?

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

White Miller Mayfly

A white-bodied European mayfly that emerges in enormous synchronized swarms at dusk. Females are unique among mayflies in that they moult directly into the spinner stage.

💡

Did You Know?

Swarms at bridges and streetlights can be so thick they cause traffic hazards.