Short-Tailed Stonefly vs March Brown Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Short-Tailed Stonefly | March Brown Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brachyptera risi | Rhithrogena germanica |
| Order | Plecoptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Taeniopterygidae | Heptageniidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Short-Tailed Stonefly
A medium-sized early-emerging stonefly with notably short cerci. It hatches in late winter and early spring across European rivers.
Did You Know?
It is one of the first insects to emerge each year, often appearing while rivers still have ice margins.
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.
Did You Know?
This species has declined significantly in many European rivers due to pollution and is now considered an indicator of water quality.