Pink Lady Mayfly vs Small Square-Gilled Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pink Lady Mayfly Small Square-Gilled Mayfly
Scientific Name Epeorus vitreus Caenis luctuosa
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Heptageniidae Caenidae
Size 9-12 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pink Lady Mayfly

A pale pinkish mayfly of eastern North American streams with a distinctly two-tailed nymph. Adults have translucent wings with a faint rosy tint.

💡

Did You Know?

The pink coloration of the adult body fades to white within minutes of death.

Small Square-Gilled Mayfly

A minute mayfly with distinctive square-shaped gills on its nymphs. Adults swarm in enormous numbers near water at twilight.

💡

Did You Know?

The enlarged second gill plate acts as a protective cover over the remaining delicate gills.