Proceratium Ant vs Cahill Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Proceratium Ant Cahill Mayfly
Scientific Name Proceratium silaceum Stenacron interpunctatum
Order Hymenoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Formicidae Heptageniidae
Size 2.5-3.5 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Eastern North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Proceratium Ant

A small brownish ant with a distinctly rounded abdomen curving forward under its body. It is a specialist predator of spider eggs living in deep leaf litter.

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Did You Know?

Workers carry spider egg sacs back to the nest, where the colony feeds exclusively on this unusual food source.

Cahill Mayfly

A cream-to-tan colored mayfly found throughout eastern North America. It is named after the classic Light Cahill fly fishing pattern it inspired.

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Did You Know?

The Light Cahill fly pattern, inspired by this mayfly, has been a staple of American fly fishing since the 1880s.