Common Alderfly vs Speckled Peter Stonefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Alderfly | Speckled Peter Stonefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sialis lutaria | Paragnetina media |
| Order | Megaloptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Sialidae | Perlidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 15-22 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.
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.
Speckled Peter Stonefly
A medium-sized patterned stonefly of eastern streams with distinctive speckled wing markings. Nymphs are voracious predators among cobbles.
Did You Know?
Nymphs have been observed actively stalking prey rather than simply ambushing passing invertebrates.