Velvet Ameletid Mayfly vs Puriri Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Velvet Ameletid Mayfly | Puriri Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ameletus velox | Aenetus virescens |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Ameletidae | Hepialidae |
| Size | 9-13 mm | 100-150 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Oceania (New Zealand - North Island) |
| 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.
Puriri Moth
New Zealand's largest moth, with a wingspan up to 150 mm. The caterpillars bore into the trunks of native trees, particularly puriri and putaputaweta, creating characteristic U-shaped tunnels. Adults have no functional mouthparts and do not feed.
Did You Know?
Puriri moth larvae can spend up to six years boring through living tree trunks before pupating and emerging as adults that live only a few days.