Dobsonfly

Corydalus cornutus

Dobsonflies are large insects with impressive wings! They are often found near rivers and streams.

Habitat: Rivers and streams

Appearance

The Dobsonfly is a large, robust insect with a brownish body and two pairs of intricately veined, brownish-grey wings. Males are easily identified by their strikingly long, curved mandibles that resemble tusks, setting them apart visually.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderMegalopteraFamilyCorydalidaeGenusCorydalus

Dobsonfly

Interesting facts

Adult Dobsonflies only live for about a week, focusing all their energy on finding a mate!

Finding a hellgrammite means the river water is healthy and super clean, a true water quality indicator!

Male Dobsonflies have huge mandibles, but they are too clumsy to bite humans, only for show!

The larvae, called hellgrammites, are fierce underwater predators and can live for up to three years!

Special abilities

Dobsonfly males have enormous, pincer-like mandibles used to impress females, showcasing strength for successful mating.

Dobsonfly larvae, called hellgrammites, breathe underwater with gills, allowing them to live and hunt in rivers for years.

Dobsonflies can fly strongly in the dark, using their senses to navigate and find mates after the sun sets.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 80-130 mm
Size: 50-70 mm
Lifespan: 3-7 days
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Larvae are fierce predators of other aquatic insects, while adults barely eat at all!

Age differences: Larvae are predatory, but adult Dobsonflies rarely feed, focusing their energy on reproduction.

Primary Foods

mayfly nymphs
caddisfly larvae
stonefly nymphs
small aquatic invertebrates

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Large bass actively hunt hellgrammites in freshwater environments.

hunts

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Trout are major predators of Dobsonfly larvae in clean rivers.

eaten by

Mayfly

Baetis rhodani

Hellgrammite larvae feast on these tiny aquatic nymphs.

hunts

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

These nocturnal birds sometimes catch adult Dobsonflies at night.

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!

Ancient Lineage

These fascinating organisms carry echoes of the deep past, with ancestors that have roamed the Earth for an incredible span of time. They are living links to ancient worlds!

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!