Red Helen vs Light Cahill Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red Helen | Light Cahill Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio helenus | Heptagenia solitaria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Heptageniidae |
| Size | 110-140 mm wingspan | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos) | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red Helen
A large, elegant swallowtail butterfly with black wings marked by large creamy-white patches on the hindwings and red crescents along the hindwing margin. It has a slow, sailing flight.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar has an osmeterium, a bright orange forked organ behind the head that releases a foul smell to deter predators.
Light Cahill Mayfly
A pale-colored mayfly highly prized by fly fishers for imitating hatches. Nymphs prefer moderate current over gravel substrates.
Did You Know?
The Light Cahill dry fly pattern, designed to mimic this species, has been used since the 1880s.