South African Alderfly vs Narrow-bordered Bombardier

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South African Alderfly Narrow-bordered Bombardier
Scientific Name Leptosialis africana Brachinus sclopeta
Order Megaloptera Coleoptera
Family Sialidae Carabidae
Size 10-14 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Africa Mediterranean Europe, North Africa
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

Southern Hemisphere alderflies are so rare and poorly studied that basic aspects of their biology remain unknown to science.

Narrow-bordered Bombardier

A Mediterranean bombardier beetle with a narrow body and orange-brown coloring. It shelters communally under stones in dry habitats.

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Did You Know?

Groups of up to 100 individuals have been found sheltering together under a single stone.