Quill Gordon Mayfly vs Japanese Lunar Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Quill Gordon Mayfly Japanese Lunar Moth
Scientific Name Epeorus pleuralis Actias aliena
Order Ephemeroptera Lepidoptera
Family Heptageniidae Saturniidae
Size 10-14 mm 80-120 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America East Asia, Japan
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.

Japanese Lunar Moth

A beautiful pale green moon moth found in Japan, known as 'o-mizuao.' Features long, elegant tail streamers on the hindwings. Closely related to the Luna moth of North America.

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Did You Know?

The long tail streamers on the hindwings create acoustic interference that confuses bat echolocation, helping the moth evade predation.