Small Square-Gilled Mayfly vs Small Emerald Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Square-Gilled Mayfly Small Emerald Moth
Scientific Name Caenis luctuosa Hemistola chrysoprasaria
Order Ephemeroptera Lepidoptera
Family Caenidae Geometridae
Size 3-6 mm 28-33 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Heathland
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.

Small Emerald Moth

A small, delicate moth with uniformly pale green wings and fine white fringe. It is one of the daintiest European emerald moths.

💡

Did You Know?

It feeds exclusively on wild clematis, making it confined to areas where this plant grows.