Alderfly

Leptosialis Esben-Petersen

Alderflies are beautiful insects that love to be near water. They have soft bodies and long wings.

Habitat: Wetlands and ponds

Appearance

The Alderfly is a dark-bodied insect, typically brownish-black, with four large, membranous wings that are held tent-like over its back. Its wings feature prominent dark veins and a distinct dark spot near the tip, making it look different from delicate damselflies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderMegalopteraFamilySialidaeGenusLeptosialis

Alderfly

Interesting facts

Alderflies are considered living fossils, with relatives dating back millions of years!

Alderfly larvae have powerful jaws, making them fierce underwater hunters!

Finding alderflies in a stream is a good sign of clean, healthy water!

Many adult alderflies barely eat, living off energy stored from their youth!

Special abilities

Alderfly larvae can survive underwater for up to two years, using special gills to breathe in their watery homes.

Alderfly larvae can skillfully ambush prey underwater, using powerful jaws to quickly capture other small insects.

The adult Alderfly has dull brown and black coloring that helps it blend perfectly with tree bark and riverside plants.

Alderfly larvae only thrive in clean, unpolluted water, making them a natural sign of a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 20-40 mm
Size: 10-20 mm
Lifespan: 3-14 days
Flight Speed: 8 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Alderfly larvae are fierce aquatic predators, but adults usually don't eat much or at all.

Age differences: Larvae are active carnivorous predators, while adults typically do not feed or only consume dew/nectar.

Primary Foods

small aquatic invertebrates
insect larvae
small crustaceans

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Larvae are an important food source for trout.

hunts

Common Midge

Chironomus plumosus

Larvae hunt midge larvae in freshwater.

eaten by

Grey Wagtail

Motacilla cinerea

Adults are prey for riverside birds.

eaten by

Common Frog

Rana temporaria

Adult alderflies can be prey for amphibians.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.