North American Alderfly vs Filigree Skimmer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute North American Alderfly Filigree Skimmer
Scientific Name Sialis infumata Pseudoleon superbus
Order Megaloptera Odonata
Family Sialidae Libellulidae
Size 15-20 mm wingspan 42-48 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Eastern North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

North American Alderfly

A small, dark-winged alderfly common near ponds and slow streams across eastern North America. Adults are clumsy fliers often found resting on streamside plants.

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Did You Know?

Larvae spend one to two years burrowing in pond mud before emerging for a brief adult life of just days.

Filigree Skimmer

A dragonfly with ornate banded wing patterns and arid habitat preferences.

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Did You Know?

It is one of few dragonfly species found in extremely arid desert environments.