Phantom Midge vs Drake Mackerel Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Phantom Midge | Drake Mackerel Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chaoborus crystallinus | Ephemera glaucops |
| Order | Diptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Chaoboridae | Ephemeridae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Phantom Midge
A nearly transparent midge whose larvae are planktonic predators in lakes. Larvae migrate vertically in the water column daily to avoid fish predation.
Did You Know?
Its glass-clear larvae are almost invisible in water, earning the common name glassworm.
Drake Mackerel Mayfly
A large European burrowing mayfly with distinctive dark markings on its wings. It emerges in synchronous swarms during warm summer evenings.
Did You Know?
Swarms of this mayfly dancing over European rivers at sunset have inspired poets and naturalists for centuries.