Small Amber Spinner vs Arctic Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Amber Spinner | Arctic Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Caenis macrura | Baetis bundyae |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Caenidae | Baetidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Arctic Canada, Alaska, northern Scandinavia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Small Amber Spinner
A tiny mayfly whose amber-colored spinners fall to the water in dense clouds. Nymphs live among fine sediments in slow-flowing water.
Did You Know?
Spinner falls can be so dense they coat the water surface like a film, triggering frenzied fish feeding.
Arctic Mayfly
A small, delicate mayfly with transparent wings and two long tail filaments. Nymphs are agile swimmers in cold Arctic streams. Adults emerge for a very brief mating flight during the short Arctic summer.
Did You Know?
Adult mayflies live only a few hours to a few days, just long enough to mate and lay eggs before dying.