Olive Drake Mayfly vs Fatal Metalmark
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Olive Drake Mayfly | Fatal Metalmark |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ephemera lineata | Calephelis nemesis |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Ephemeridae | Riodinidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 18-25 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Southwestern United States, Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Olive Drake Mayfly
A large burrowing mayfly with distinctive mottled brown wings. Nymphs excavate U-shaped burrows in sandy stream bottoms.
Did You Know?
Mass emergences at dusk can be so dense they appear on weather radar.
Fatal Metalmark
A tiny dark brown butterfly with fine metallic silver lines across the wings and minute checkered fringes. Despite its ominous name, it is a harmless nectar feeder.
Did You Know?
The name 'nemesis' refers to the Greek goddess of retribution, though the reason for this dramatic name is unclear.