Pine Processionary vs Black Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pine Processionary | Black Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thaumetopoea pityocampa | Ephemera danica var. nigra |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Notodontidae | Ephemeridae |
| Size | 36-42 mm wingspan | 15-25 mm body |
| Habitat | Forests | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pine Processionary
A grey moth whose caterpillars march in long nose-to-tail processions between their silk nests and feeding sites. The larvae's urticating hairs cause severe allergic reactions.
Did You Know?
Jean-Henri Fabre once tricked a procession into following itself in a circle for seven days without stopping.
Black Mayfly
A dark color variant of the common Green Drake mayfly found in some European populations. The dark form is more prevalent in upland, acidic waters. Important for trout feeding.
Did You Know?
The dark form predominates in acidic upland streams while the typical yellow form prefers alkaline lowland rivers.