Large Alderfly vs Cleopatra Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Alderfly Cleopatra Butterfly
Scientific Name Sialis nigripes Gonepteryx cleopatra
Order Megaloptera Lepidoptera
Family Sialidae Pieridae
Size 15-20 mm Wingspan 50-70mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Heathland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, Africa
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.

Cleopatra Butterfly

A large butterfly with deep orange forewings in males and pale greenish wings in females. Common in Mediterranean areas.

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Did You Know?

Males have the deepest orange coloring of any European pierid butterfly, contrasting with their lemon-yellow undersides.