Common Alderfly vs Australian Dobsonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Alderfly | Australian Dobsonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sialis lutaria | Archichauliodes diversus |
| Order | Megaloptera | Megaloptera |
| Family | Sialidae | Corydalidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 50-75 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Australia, New Zealand |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Alderfly
A dark smoky-winged insect commonly found near still or slow-moving waters across Europe. Its aquatic larvae are predators in lake and pond sediments.
Did You Know?
Alderfly females lay hundreds of eggs in neat rows on vegetation overhanging water, and the larvae drop into the water upon hatching.
Australian Dobsonfly
A large, dark dobsonfly found in clean streams across southeastern Australia. Larvae are important predators in cool forest streams.
Did You Know?
It is found on both sides of the Tasman Sea, occurring in both Australia and New Zealand.