Small Amber Spinner vs Quill Gordon Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Amber Spinner Quill Gordon Mayfly
Scientific Name Caenis macrura Epeorus pleuralis
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Caenidae Heptageniidae
Size 3-5 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Eastern 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.

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Did You Know?

Spinner falls can be so dense they coat the water surface like a film, triggering frenzied fish feeding.

Quill Gordon Mayfly

A medium-sized flat-bodied mayfly that clings to rocks in fast Appalachian streams. It is one of the first major mayfly hatches of the spring season.

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Did You Know?

Quill Gordon nymphs have only two tails instead of the three found in most mayfly species.