Purple Dun vs Yellow Sally

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Purple Dun Yellow Sally
Scientific Name Paraleptophlebia adoptiva Isoperla fulva
Order Ephemeroptera Plecoptera
Family Leptophlebiidae Perlodidae
Size 7-10 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
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.

Yellow Sally

A bright yellow stonefly common in European upland streams. Nymphs are omnivorous, feeding on both algae and small invertebrates.

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Did You Know?

The vivid yellow color serves no known warning function and fades quickly in preserved specimens.