Black Mayfly vs Mahogany Dun

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Mayfly Mahogany Dun
Scientific Name Ephemera danica var. nigra Isonychia harperi
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Ephemeridae Isonychiidae
Size 15-25 mm body 13-17 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe North America
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.

Mahogany Dun

A large reddish-brown mayfly with impressive filter-feeding forelegs. Nymphs prefer moderate to fast riffles with clean gravel substrates.

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Did You Know?

Adults hold their forelegs forward in flight, making them easy to identify on the wing.