🦷 Dobsonflies & Alderflies

Smoky Alderfly

Sialis fuliginosa

About 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.

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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.

How to Identify Smoky Alderfly

Smoky Alderfly (Sialis fuliginosa) belongs to the order Megaloptera, family Sialidae. Adults typically measure 12-16 mm.

Smoky Alderfly Habitat

Smoky Alderfly is found in ponds & lakes habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Smoky Alderfly Diet and Feeding

Smoky Alderfly has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.

Where Is Smoky Alderfly Found?

Smoky Alderfly can be found in Europe, where it inhabits ponds & lakes environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Smoky Alderfly can be found

Is Smoky Alderfly Dangerous?

Smoky Alderfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Smoky Alderfly Role in Nature

Smoky Alderfly plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Smoky Alderfly are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Smoky Alderfly

What does Smoky Alderfly look like?

The Smoky Alderfly typically measures 12-16 mm.

Where is Smoky Alderfly found?

The Smoky Alderfly is found in Europe and typically inhabits ponds & lakes environments.

What does Smoky Alderfly eat?

The Smoky Alderfly has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.

Is Smoky Alderfly dangerous to humans?

The Smoky Alderfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Smoky Alderfly?

This alderfly is a reliable indicator of clean running water and is one of the first species to disappear when streams become polluted.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Smoky Alderfly (Sialis fuliginosa). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/smoky-alderfly

MLA:
"Smoky Alderfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/smoky-alderfly.