Velvet Ameletid Mayfly vs Common Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Velvet Ameletid Mayfly | Common Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ameletus velox | Ephemera danica |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Ameletidae | Ephemeridae |
| Size | 9-13 mm | 15-25 mm body |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Velvet Ameletid Mayfly
A swift-swimming mayfly of headwater streams known for its velvety-textured nymphal cuticle. Adults emerge in early summer.
Did You Know?
The species name velox means swift, referring to the remarkable swimming speed of the nymphs.
Common Mayfly
Adults have no functional mouths and live only 1-3 days. Massive synchronized emergences called "hatches" are among natures great spectacles. Excellent water quality indicators.
Did You Know?
Mayflies have the shortest adult lifespan of any insect — some species live just 5 minutes as adults, long enough only to mate. They are the only insects with a winged sub-adult stage.