Australian Dobsonfly vs North American Alderfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Dobsonfly North American Alderfly
Scientific Name Archichauliodes diversus Sialis infumata
Order Megaloptera Megaloptera
Family Corydalidae Sialidae
Size 50-75 mm wingspan 15-20 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Australia, New Zealand Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Dobsonfly

A large, dark dobsonfly found in clean streams across southeastern Australia. Larvae are important predators in cool forest streams.

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Did You Know?

It is found on both sides of the Tasman Sea, occurring in both Australia and New Zealand.

North American Alderfly

A small, dark-winged alderfly common near ponds and slow streams across eastern North America. Adults are clumsy fliers often found resting on streamside plants.

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Did You Know?

Larvae spend one to two years burrowing in pond mud before emerging for a brief adult life of just days.