Yellow Drake Mayfly vs American Sand Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Yellow Drake Mayfly | American Sand Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ephemera lutea | Dolania americana |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Ephemeridae | Behningiidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 10-15 mm body |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Yellow Drake Mayfly
One of the largest mayflies in eastern North America with a pale greenish body. Nymphs live in burrows in the silty bottoms of clean streams.
Did You Know?
Adults live only a few hours but their emergence creates one of the most anticipated fishing events of the year.
American Sand Mayfly
Holds the record for the shortest adult lifespan of any insect — females live less than five minutes as adults, just long enough to mate and lay eggs before dying.
Did You Know?
Female Dolania americana mayflies live less than five minutes as adults — they emerge, mate, lay eggs, and die faster than most people take a coffee break.