Quill Gordon Mayfly vs Caenis Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Quill Gordon Mayfly Caenis Mayfly
Scientific Name Epeorus pleuralis Caenis horaria
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Heptageniidae Caenidae
Size 10-14 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Quill Gordon Mayfly

A medium-sized flat-bodied mayfly that clings to rocks in fast Appalachian streams. It is one of the first major mayfly hatches of the spring season.

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Did You Know?

Quill Gordon nymphs have only two tails instead of the three found in most mayfly species.

Caenis Mayfly

One of the smallest mayflies, often called the 'angler's curse' because trout feed on them selectively. Larvae inhabit slow-flowing rivers and lake margins.

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Did You Know?

Caenis mayflies are called the angler's curse because their tiny size makes matching them with artificial flies nearly impossible.