Small Spurwing Mayfly vs Light Cahill Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Spurwing Mayfly Light Cahill Mayfly
Scientific Name Centroptilum luteolum Heptagenia solitaria
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Baetidae Heptageniidae
Size 5-8 mm 9-13 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small Spurwing Mayfly

A tiny, elegant mayfly with a distinctive spur on its hindwing. It is widespread in European streams and rivers with good water quality.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most mayflies that swarm over water, small spurwings often emerge individually and drift with the current.

Light Cahill Mayfly

A pale-colored mayfly highly prized by fly fishers for imitating hatches. Nymphs prefer moderate current over gravel substrates.

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Did You Know?

The Light Cahill dry fly pattern, designed to mimic this species, has been used since the 1880s.