North American Alderfly vs Summer Fishfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute North American Alderfly Summer Fishfly
Scientific Name Sialis infumata Chauliodes pectinicornis
Order Megaloptera Megaloptera
Family Sialidae Corydalidae
Size 15-20 mm wingspan 25-40 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Omnivores
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.

Summer Fishfly

A medium-sized fishfly emerging in summer with distinctive dark-veined wings and feathery antennae. Larvae develop in muddy stream bottoms.

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Did You Know?

Unlike dobsonfly larvae that prefer fast-flowing water, summer fishfly larvae thrive in slow muddy pools and swamps.