Small Amber Spinner vs Pale Morning Dun

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Amber Spinner Pale Morning Dun
Scientific Name Caenis macrura Ephemerella excrucians
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Caenidae Ephemerellidae
Size 3-5 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions Europe North America
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.

Pale Morning Dun

A small pale yellowish mayfly that hatches in large numbers on western North American streams during late spring. It is a crucial food source for trout.

💡

Did You Know?

Pale morning duns often hatch in such dense swarms that trout become highly selective, ignoring all but perfect imitations.