Quill Gordon Mayfly vs Drake Mackerel Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Quill Gordon Mayfly Drake Mackerel Mayfly
Scientific Name Epeorus pleuralis Ephemera glaucops
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Heptageniidae Ephemeridae
Size 10-14 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
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.

Drake Mackerel Mayfly

A large European burrowing mayfly with distinctive dark markings on its wings. It emerges in synchronous swarms during warm summer evenings.

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Did You Know?

Swarms of this mayfly dancing over European rivers at sunset have inspired poets and naturalists for centuries.