White-Gloved Howdy vs Giant Michigan Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White-Gloved Howdy Giant Michigan Mayfly
Scientific Name Isonychia sadleri Hexagenia bilineata
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Isonychiidae Ephemeridae
Size 12-16 mm 18-28 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

White-Gloved Howdy

Named for the white tips of its forelegs resembling gloves. Nymphs are powerful swimmers found in fast-flowing Appalachian streams.

💡

Did You Know?

The distinctive white-tipped forelegs are visible even in flight, giving rise to the fanciful common name.

Giant Michigan Mayfly

A large burrowing mayfly with two dark stripes on its thorax. Nymphs dig into soft clay and silt bottoms of large rivers.

💡

Did You Know?

Mass emergences along the Great Lakes have caused road closures due to the slippery accumulation of millions of dead adults.