Large Alderfly vs Large Oak Cynipid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large Alderfly | Large Oak Cynipid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sialis nigripes | Cynips quercusfolii |
| Order | Megaloptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Sialidae | Cynipidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 2.5–4 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Did You Know?
Alderfly larvae breathe through feathery gills along their abdomen and a single long tail filament that acts as an additional gill.
Large Oak Cynipid
A gall wasp that induces cherry-sized galls on the undersides of oak leaves. The galls turn from green to red as they mature in autumn.
Did You Know?
The colorful galls were historically known as 'oak cherries' and were sometimes mistaken for real fruit by children.