Conehead Proturan vs Smoky Alderfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Conehead Proturan Smoky Alderfly
Scientific Name Acerentomon microrhinus Sialis fuliginosa
Order Protura Megaloptera
Family Acerentomidae Sialidae
Size 0.6-1.0 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Conehead Proturan

A minute proturan with a characteristically pointed head capsule found in European soils. It lacks antennae, using its forelegs for sensory perception.

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Did You Know?

The pseudoculus, a unique sensory organ on the head, is used to identify proturan species under high magnification.

Smoky Alderfly

A European alderfly distinguished from S. lutaria by its preference for flowing water rather than still ponds. It has dark smoky wings and a blackish body.

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Did You Know?

This alderfly is a reliable indicator of clean running water and is one of the first species to disappear when streams become polluted.