Smoky Alderfly vs Japanese Alderfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Smoky Alderfly | Japanese Alderfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sialis fuliginosa | Sialis japonica |
| Order | Megaloptera | Megaloptera |
| Family | Sialidae | Sialidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 15-25 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Japan, East Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
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.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few megalopterans adapted to living in rice paddy fields.