Black Mayfly vs Legionary Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Mayfly Legionary Ant
Scientific Name Ephemera danica var. nigra Neivamyrmex nigrescens
Order Ephemeroptera Hymenoptera
Family Ephemeridae Formicidae
Size 15-25 mm body 2-5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Deserts & Drylands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Southwestern United States, Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Mayfly

A dark color variant of the common Green Drake mayfly found in some European populations. The dark form is more prevalent in upland, acidic waters. Important for trout feeding.

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Did You Know?

The dark form predominates in acidic upland streams while the typical yellow form prefers alkaline lowland rivers.

Legionary Ant

The most common army ant species in the United States, conducting nocturnal column raids on other ant nests. Workers are small and reddish-brown with reduced eyes.

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Did You Know?

They are rarely seen because they raid almost exclusively at night and spend most of their time underground.