Pale Morning Dun vs Orthoclad Stream Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pale Morning Dun | Orthoclad Stream Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ephemerella excrucians | Orthocladius oblidens |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ephemerellidae | Chironomidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pale Morning Dun
A small pale yellowish mayfly that hatches in large numbers on western North American streams during late spring. It is a crucial food source for trout.
Did You Know?
Pale morning duns often hatch in such dense swarms that trout become highly selective, ignoring all but perfect imitations.
Orthoclad Stream Midge
A small non-biting midge typical of cold running water habitats. Larvae build silk tubes on stone surfaces in stream riffles.
Did You Know?
Orthocladiinae midges are often the most species-rich insect group in pristine mountain streams.