North American Alderfly vs Smoky Alderfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | North American Alderfly | Smoky Alderfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sialis infumata | Sialis fuliginosa |
| Order | Megaloptera | Megaloptera |
| Family | Sialidae | Sialidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm wingspan | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Larvae spend one to two years burrowing in pond mud before emerging for a brief adult life of just days.
Smoky Alderfly
A European alderfly distinguished from S. lutaria by its preference for flowing water rather than still ponds. It has dark smoky wings and a blackish body.
Did You Know?
This alderfly is a reliable indicator of clean running water and is one of the first species to disappear when streams become polluted.