Waterlily Borer Moth vs Small Square-Gilled Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Waterlily Borer Moth | Small Square-Gilled Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Elophila gyralis | Caenis luctuosa |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Crambidae | Caenidae |
| Size | 18-24 mm wingspan | 3-6 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Waterlily Borer Moth
A small pale brown moth with wavy dark lines across its wings. Its larvae are aquatic, living underwater in cases made from fragments of waterlily leaves.
Did You Know?
The larvae breathe underwater using modified gills and never surface until they are ready to pupate.
Small Square-Gilled Mayfly
A minute mayfly with distinctive square-shaped gills on its nymphs. Adults swarm in enormous numbers near water at twilight.
Did You Know?
The enlarged second gill plate acts as a protective cover over the remaining delicate gills.