Dobsonfly
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Mating Mandibles
Dobsonfly males have enormous, pincer-like mandibles used to impress females, showcasing strength for successful mating.
Ability
Aquatic Childhood
Dobsonfly larvae, called hellgrammites, breathe underwater with gills, allowing them to live and hunt in rivers for years.
Ability
Night Navigator
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Fishfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dobsonfly's wingspan?
80-130 mm
How big is Dobsonfly?
50-70 mm
How long does Dobsonfly live?
3-7 days
What does Dobsonfly eat?
Larvae are fierce predators of other aquatic insects, while adults barely eat at all!
Where is Dobsonfly usually found?
Rivers and streams
How does Dobsonfly hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Dobsonfly have?
6
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