Speckled Emperor Moth vs Quill Gordon Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Speckled Emperor Moth Quill Gordon Mayfly
Scientific Name Gynanisa maja Epeorus pleuralis
Order Lepidoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Saturniidae Heptageniidae
Size 90-120 mm wingspan 10-14 mm
Habitat Grasslands Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southern Africa, East Africa Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Speckled Emperor Moth

A large earth-toned emperor moth with speckled brown and grey wings bearing clear eyespots. It is a common moth in southern African bushveld.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillars are edible and are harvested alongside mopane worms as a traditional food source in rural areas.

Quill Gordon Mayfly

A medium-sized flat-bodied mayfly that clings to rocks in fast Appalachian streams. It is one of the first major mayfly hatches of the spring season.

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Did You Know?

Quill Gordon nymphs have only two tails instead of the three found in most mayfly species.