Spotted Diving Beetle vs White Miller Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spotted Diving Beetle White Miller Mayfly
Scientific Name Graphoderus cinereus Ephoron virgo
Order Coleoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Dytiscidae Polymitarcyidae
Size 13-16 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Spotted Diving Beetle

A medium-sized diving beetle with distinctive mottled brown and cream patterning. It inhabits clean, well-vegetated ponds and lakes across Europe.

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Did You Know?

Its camouflage pattern makes it almost invisible against the mottled bottom of weedy ponds.

White Miller Mayfly

A white-bodied European mayfly that emerges in enormous synchronized swarms at dusk. Females are unique among mayflies in that they moult directly into the spinner stage.

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Did You Know?

Swarms at bridges and streetlights can be so thick they cause traffic hazards.