Satin Moth vs Brushleg Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Satin Moth Brushleg Mayfly
Scientific Name Leucoma salicis Isonychia bicolor
Order Lepidoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Erebidae Isonychiidae
Size 40-55 mm wingspan 12-18 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia (introduced to North America) North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Satin Moth

A pure white moth with a satin-like sheen and strikingly chequered black-and-white legs. It can become a serious defoliator of poplar and willow trees.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's hairs can cause skin irritation in humans, similar to a mild rash.

Brushleg Mayfly

A large, fast-swimming mayfly with forelegs fringed with bristles for filter feeding. Nymphs inhabit swift riffles of large streams and rivers.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most mayflies, nymphs crawl out of water onto rocks to emerge as adults rather than hatching at the surface.