Common Alderfly vs Cascades Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Alderfly Cascades Stonefly
Scientific Name Sialis lutaria Doroneuria theodora
Order Megaloptera Plecoptera
Family Sialidae Perlidae
Size 12-16 mm 22-30 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia North America
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.

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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.

Cascades Stonefly

A large predatory stonefly endemic to Cascade Range streams. Nymphs inhabit cold boulder-strewn torrents at moderate elevations.

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Did You Know?

Adults drum their abdomens on streamside surfaces to communicate with potential mates.