White-Gloved Howdy vs Purple Dun

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White-Gloved Howdy Purple Dun
Scientific Name Isonychia sadleri Paraleptophlebia adoptiva
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Isonychiidae Leptophlebiidae
Size 12-16 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Purple Dun

A small dark mayfly with purplish-gray wings found in eastern streams. Nymphs crawl among submerged leaf packs in moderate current.

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Did You Know?

Females drop their egg masses onto the water surface from a height of several feet while in flight.