Large Alderfly vs Chinese Dobsonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Alderfly Chinese Dobsonfly
Scientific Name Sialis nigripes Neoneuromus ignobilis
Order Megaloptera Megaloptera
Family Sialidae Corydalidae
Size 15-20 mm 40-60 mm body
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions North America Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Large Alderfly

A relatively large alderfly with dark wings and black legs found near rivers in eastern North America. Adults rest on streamside vegetation during the day.

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Did You Know?

Alderfly larvae breathe through feathery gills along their abdomen and a single long tail filament that acts as an additional gill.

Chinese Dobsonfly

A large dark-colored dobsonfly found in streams across China and Southeast Asia. It is less well known than its North American relatives but equally impressive in size.

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Did You Know?

In parts of China, dobsonfly larvae are collected from streams and used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments.