Blue-winged Olive Mayfly vs Large Dark Olive Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue-winged Olive Mayfly Large Dark Olive Mayfly
Scientific Name Serratella ignita Baetis rhodani
Order Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera
Family Ephemerellidae Baetidae
Size 7-10 mm body 6-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blue-winged Olive Mayfly

A common mayfly of clean rivers and streams with distinctive blue-grey wings. One of the most important mayflies for fly fishing. Nymphs cling to stones in fast water.

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Did You Know?

So important to fly fishers that dozens of artificial fly patterns have been designed to imitate its various life stages.

Large Dark Olive Mayfly

The most common European mayfly, emerging year-round in many rivers. It is a small olive-brown species that serves as a staple food for stream fish.

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Did You Know?

This mayfly can produce up to three generations per year, making it available as fish food in every season.