Small Square-Gilled Mayfly vs Singing Water Boatman

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Square-Gilled Mayfly Singing Water Boatman
Scientific Name Caenis luctuosa Micronecta scholtzi
Order Ephemeroptera Hemiptera
Family Caenidae Corixidae
Size 3-6 mm 2 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe
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.

Singing Water Boatman

The loudest animal relative to body size on Earth. This 2 mm aquatic bug produces mating calls reaching 99.2 decibels by rubbing its genitalia against its abdomen.

💡

Did You Know?

This tiny water bug produces 99 dB of sound by stridulating with its penis — making it the loudest animal relative to body size, and earning it a Guinness World Record.