Twin-spotted Spiketail vs Small Spurwing Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Twin-spotted Spiketail Small Spurwing Mayfly
Scientific Name Cordulegaster maculata Centroptilum luteolum
Order Odonata Ephemeroptera
Family Cordulegastridae Baetidae
Size 68-78 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Twin-spotted Spiketail

A large, dark brown spiketail with paired yellow spots on each abdominal segment. It is the most common spiketail in eastern North America.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae lie partially buried in stream-bottom leaf litter and ambush passing prey.

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.