Underground Army Ant vs March Brown Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Underground Army Ant March Brown Mayfly
Scientific Name Labidus coecus Rhithrogena germanica
Order Hymenoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Formicidae Heptageniidae
Size 2-7 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Caves Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southern United States, Central America, South America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Underground Army Ant

A mostly subterranean army ant that occasionally surfaces in massive raiding columns across the Americas. Workers are pale yellow, reflecting their underground lifestyle.

💡

Did You Know?

They are the most frequently encountered army ants in the Americas but are rarely seen because of their subterranean habits.

March Brown Mayfly

A spring-emerging mayfly with a brownish body and two tails, historically important to European fly fishing. Its flat nymphs cling to rocks in fast water.

💡

Did You Know?

This species has declined significantly in many European rivers due to pollution and is now considered an indicator of water quality.