North American Alderfly vs South African Alderfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | North American Alderfly | South African Alderfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sialis infumata | Leptosialis africana |
| Order | Megaloptera | Megaloptera |
| Family | Sialidae | Sialidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm wingspan | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Mountains |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
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.
South African Alderfly
One of the few alderfly species found in the Southern Hemisphere, occurring in clean mountain streams of South Africa. Adults are small with dark wings.
Did You Know?
Southern Hemisphere alderflies are so rare and poorly studied that basic aspects of their biology remain unknown to science.