Water Measurer vs Spring Fishfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Water Measurer Spring Fishfly
Scientific Name Hydrometra australis Chauliodes rastricornis
Order Hemiptera Megaloptera
Family Hydrometridae Corydalidae
Size 8-11 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Americas, from southern United States to South America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Water Measurer

A very slender, elongate semi-aquatic bug that walks slowly on water surfaces in the Americas. Its head is exceptionally long and narrow with a small rostrum at the tip. It moves with slow, deliberate steps along pond margins.

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Did You Know?

It is so lightweight that it can walk on the water surface without breaking the surface tension, leaving no visible dimples where its feet contact the water.

Spring Fishfly

A medium-sized fishfly with pectinate antennae found in eastern North America. Adults are attracted to lights near rivers and streams during spring.

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Did You Know?

Spring fishflies can be distinguished from dobsonflies by their feathery, comb-like antennae and smaller body size.