Purple Dun vs Small Fan-footed Wave

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Purple Dun Small Fan-footed Wave
Scientific Name Paraleptophlebia adoptiva Idaea biselata
Order Ephemeroptera Lepidoptera
Family Leptophlebiidae Geometridae
Size 7-10 mm 20-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Purple Dun

A small dark mayfly with purplish-gray wings found in eastern streams. Nymphs crawl among submerged leaf packs in moderate current.

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Did You Know?

Females drop their egg masses onto the water surface from a height of several feet while in flight.

Small Fan-footed Wave

A small, delicate moth with pale buff wings and fine dark cross-lines. Common in deciduous woodland. Larvae feed on dead leaves on the woodland floor.

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Did You Know?

Named for the male's fan-shaped front legs that are displayed during courtship.