Alderfly & Hellgrammite
(Phylum Arthropoda, Class Insecta, Order Megaloptera)

Instructions: For a larger view of the specimens below, click on an image. The enlarged image will appear on your screen in a new window. Close this new window when you are through viewing it. See note below regarding identification of macros. Further information on the identification and ecology of aquatic macroinvertebrates can be found from the materials mentioned on the Macro Resources Page.

Back to: Freshwater Macros Index

Megaloptera Families:
Alderfly | Hellgrammite


Alderfly (Family Sialidae)
Tolerance: tolerant
aquatic worm
lacamas_nov06_10.jpg
(20 mm)
Lacamas Creek
Clark Co., WA
November 2005

aquatic worm
lacamas_nov06_19.jpg
closeup of head

Lacamas Creek
Clark Co., WA
November 2005

aquatic worm
lacamas_nov06_22.jpg
closeup of tail
Lacamas Creek
Clark Co., WA
November 2005


Hellgrammite (Family Corydalidae)
Hellgrammite is the name used for the larvae of both dobsonflies and fishflies
Tolerance:
sensitive

damselfly1.jpg
hellgrammite.jpg
Oregon
July 2005



Note from author: Considerable effort has been made to be as accurate as possible in the identification of the organisms. While I am fairly confident of the ID (at least for the major taxon levels), I cannot guarantee complete accuracy. In particular, you will notice that some organisms are labeled with a (*). This indicates a probable classification based on general traits (shape, size and color) of the organism and location from which it was found. I do not possess the level of expertise nor did I conduct the kind of detailed inspection to provide a conclusive ID -- consider these efforts at classification as my "best guess" based on available information and, in some instance, outside assistance. (If you notice any errors or omissions, please contact me at the email address provided at the bottom of this page.)

Back to: Freshwater Macros Index


modified: 8/20/06