Small Brown Forestfly vs Giant Michigan Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Brown Forestfly Giant Michigan Mayfly
Scientific Name Nemoura avicularis Hexagenia bilineata
Order Plecoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Nemouridae Ephemeridae
Size 5-8 mm 18-28 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small Brown Forestfly

A small brown stonefly of European woodland streams that emerges in spring. Nymphs are detritivores feeding on submerged leaf litter.

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Did You Know?

Adults fold their wings flat over the body like a fan, unlike most stoneflies that fold wings along the sides.

Giant Michigan Mayfly

A large burrowing mayfly with two dark stripes on its thorax. Nymphs dig into soft clay and silt bottoms of large rivers.

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Did You Know?

Mass emergences along the Great Lakes have caused road closures due to the slippery accumulation of millions of dead adults.