Quill Gordon Mayfly vs March Brown Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Quill Gordon Mayfly March Brown Mayfly
Scientific Name Epeorus pleuralis Rhithrogena germanica
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Heptageniidae Heptageniidae
Size 10-14 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

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.

March Brown Mayfly

A spring-emerging mayfly with a brownish body and two tails, historically important to European fly fishing. Its flat nymphs cling to rocks in fast water.

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Did You Know?

This species has declined significantly in many European rivers due to pollution and is now considered an indicator of water quality.