Velvet Ameletid Mayfly vs Drake Mackerel Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Velvet Ameletid Mayfly Drake Mackerel Mayfly
Scientific Name Ameletus velox Ephemera glaucops
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Ameletidae Ephemeridae
Size 9-13 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
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.

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Did You Know?

The species name velox means swift, referring to the remarkable swimming speed of the nymphs.

Drake Mackerel Mayfly

A large European burrowing mayfly with distinctive dark markings on its wings. It emerges in synchronous swarms during warm summer evenings.

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Did You Know?

Swarms of this mayfly dancing over European rivers at sunset have inspired poets and naturalists for centuries.