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Alderfly

Alderfly

Sialis lutaria

A species of Sialis

With four broad, translucent wings and a robust, elongated body, alderfly is an adept flyer, yet it spends its initial life stage in aquatic environments. In its larval phase, this creature exhibits impressive predatory behavior, hunting small invertebrate prey with acute mandibles. After this stage, the adult emerges with a dark coloration and takes to the skies, where it plays a role in the local ecosystem's aerial dynamics.

General Info About Alderfly
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Attributes of Alderfly
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
pond; stream; under water
Adult Food Sources
Adult does not seem to eat.
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic insects, tadpoles, small fish, worms, other soft-bodied aquatic organisms
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Alderfly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Alderfly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Alderfly
It is found in Europe.
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Distribution Area of Alderfly
Austria, Belgium, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Romania and Switzerland
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Life Cycle of Alderfly
Egg Laid in clusters near or on water, the eggs of alderfly are small and often oval. The incubation period varies until larvae emerge, dependent on environmental conditions like temperature.
Larva The larvae, also known as naiads, are aquatic and predatory. Their elongated bodies grow through a series of molts, displaying increasing size and developed mouthparts for feeding.
Pupal After leaving the water, alderfly enters the pupal stage in a sheltered location. This period involves remarkable transformation where the aquatic larvae develop into terrestrial adults.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult alderfly differs significantly in form. With wings and mature reproductive organs, they focus on mating. Size and color are now consistent, signaling their final developmental phase.
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Adult Size of Alderfly
2 cm
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Predators of Alderfly Larvae
Fishes, amphibians, water beetles, other aquatic insect larvae
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Predators of Adult Alderfly
Birds, spiders, rodents
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Interesting Facts About Alderfly
Adult alderfly are known for their short-lived terrestrial phase where they do not eat, dedicating all their energy to reproduction.
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Scientific Classification of Alderfly
Class
Bugs
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Genus
Sialis
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Tips for Finding Alderfly
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Youth Habitat of Alderfly
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Alderfly
Forests and Woodlands, Freshwater Habitats
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How Can You Attract Alderfly
Entomologists or hobbyists might use light as an attractant, as alderfly adults are known to be drawn towards light sources at night.
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Habitat Preferences of Alderfly Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of alderfly primarily dwell in freshwater habitats, such as ponds, streams, and the shoreline areas of lakes, where they burrow into the sediment or hide under rocks and debris. These aquatic environments provide a rich source of food and protection. Upon transitioning into adulthood, alderfly moves towards vegetation close to the water, where they can often be found resting on leaves or stems. To observe these stages, search the bottom of shallow bodies of freshwater for the larvae, while the adults are more likely to be encountered among the nearby plant life, particularly during the evening or at night.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Alderfly
The best time to find alderfly is during their respective active periods, which vary according to their life cycle stages. Typically, the larval stage is aquatic and can be sought after during the day, while adults are more active during dusk and at night.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Alderfly
For the larval stage of alderfly, wet weather is suitable, when the water levels are higher in their aquatic habitats. For adults, calm and warm nights may be most productive for observation and collection.
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How and Where Can You Find Alderfly at Different Life Stages
Egg Alderfly eggs are typically laid on vegetation near water bodies. To locate them, inspect the leaves and stems of plants adjacent to ponds or streams.
Larva Alderfly larvae are aquatic and can be found by gently disturbing the substrate of freshwater habitats like ponds, or by using a net to sift through the water and catch the larvae.
Pupal Alderfly pupae tend to be hidden in damp soil or under debris near the water's edge. Look for these by carefully searching the area around a known larval habitat. However, this stage is brief and might be difficult to observe.
Adult Alderfly adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Setting up a light trap near water sources in the evening can aid in finding adult alderfly. During the day, they might be found resting on vegetation close to the water body they emerged from.
Are Alderfly harmful?
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