Small Square-Gilled Mayfly vs Dark Blue Quill
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Square-Gilled Mayfly | Dark Blue Quill |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Caenis luctuosa | Paraleptophlebia mollis |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Caenidae | Leptophlebiidae |
| Size | 3-6 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Small Square-Gilled Mayfly
A minute mayfly with distinctive square-shaped gills on its nymphs. Adults swarm in enormous numbers near water at twilight.
Did You Know?
The enlarged second gill plate acts as a protective cover over the remaining delicate gills.
Dark Blue Quill
A small dusky-winged mayfly of Appalachian headwater streams. Nymphs are slow crawlers among leaf debris in gentle currents.
Did You Know?
It is one of the earliest mayflies to emerge each spring, sometimes hatching when snow still lines the streambanks.