Common Alderfly vs Hellgrammite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Alderfly | Hellgrammite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sialis lutaria | Nigronia serricornis |
| Order | Megaloptera | Megaloptera |
| Family | Sialidae | Corydalidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 40-60 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Eastern 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.
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.
Hellgrammite
A dark-colored dobsonfly whose larvae, known as hellgrammites, are prized as fishing bait. Adults are smaller than Corydalus and have serrated antennae.
Did You Know?
Hellgrammite larvae are so effective as fishing bait that they are commercially collected and sold to anglers.