Snow Fly vs Small Spurwing Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snow Fly Small Spurwing Mayfly
Scientific Name Chionea araneoides Centroptilum luteolum
Order Diptera Ephemeroptera
Family Limoniidae Baetidae
Size 5-8 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Snow Fly

A wingless crane fly that walks on snow surfaces in winter to find mates.

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Did You Know?

Its antifreeze proteins allow activity at temperatures well below freezing.

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.