Japanese Alderfly vs Common Alderfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Alderfly | Common Alderfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sialis japonica | Sialis lutaria |
| Order | Megaloptera | Megaloptera |
| Family | Sialidae | Sialidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm wingspan | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Japan, East Asia | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Alderfly
A medium-sized alderfly found in ponds and slow streams across Japan. It is one of the most common megalopterans in East Asian lowland waters.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few megalopterans adapted to living in rice paddy fields.
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.