Western Spruce Budworm vs South American Giant Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Spruce Budworm South American Giant Mayfly
Scientific Name Choristoneura occidentalis Campsurus major
Order Lepidoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Tortricidae Polymitarcyidae
Size 22-28 mm wingspan 15-25 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America South America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Western Spruce Budworm

A major defoliator of Douglas-fir and true firs in western North America. Repeated defoliation leads to growth loss and tree mortality.

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Did You Know?

Fire suppression has increased susceptibility of western forests to budworm outbreaks.

South American Giant Mayfly

A large tropical mayfly found in South American rivers and floodplains. Males have distinctive elongated forelegs used for grasping females during mating flights.

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Did You Know?

Its mass emergences from Amazonian rivers provide a critical food pulse for fish and birds.