Satin Moth vs Japanese Alderfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Satin Moth Japanese Alderfly
Scientific Name Leucoma salicis Sialis japonica
Order Lepidoptera Megaloptera
Family Erebidae Sialidae
Size 40-55 mm wingspan 15-25 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Europe, Asia (introduced to North America) Japan, East Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Satin Moth

A pure white moth with a satin-like sheen and strikingly chequered black-and-white legs. It can become a serious defoliator of poplar and willow trees.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's hairs can cause skin irritation in humans, similar to a mild rash.

Japanese Alderfly

A medium-sized alderfly found in ponds and slow streams across Japan. It is one of the most common megalopterans in East Asian lowland waters.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few megalopterans adapted to living in rice paddy fields.