Aquatic Snail-killing Fly vs Alpine Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Aquatic Snail-killing Fly Alpine Stonefly
Scientific Name Sepedon sphegea Dictyogenus alpinum
Order Diptera Plecoptera
Family Sciomyzidae Perlodidae
Size 5-9 mm 15-25 mm body length
Habitat Wetlands Mountains
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America Alps, Central European mountains
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Aquatic Snail-killing Fly

A slender marsh fly with a distinctly pointed abdomen and yellowish-brown coloring. Larvae are aquatic predators of freshwater snails, attacking them underwater.

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Did You Know?

A single larva may consume multiple snails during its development, making it an effective natural snail control agent.

Alpine Stonefly

A large, dark stonefly of cold alpine streams and rivers. Its nymphs are voracious predators of other aquatic invertebrates.

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Did You Know?

Adults have reduced mouthparts and do not feed during their short lifespan.