Alders are small insects that are commonly found near streams and other freshwater sources. These insects are often called alderflies, but there are several other synonyms for this term. Some synonyms for alderfly include dobsonfly, fishfly, and hellgrammite. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different types of insects. For example, dobsonflies are typically larger than alderflies, while hellgrammites are the immature form of dobsonflies. Additionally, the term fishfly is often used to refer specifically to alderflies that are found in and near bodies of water where fish live. Regardless of the term used, these insects play important roles in aquatic ecosystems and are fascinating creatures to observe and learn about.