Table of Contents
What is the scientific name for dobsonfly?
CorydalinaeDobsonflies / Scientific name
scientific name: Corydalus cornutus (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Megaloptera: Corydalidae: Corydalinae)
Why dobsonflies are called hellgrammites?
The origin of the word “dobsonfly” is unclear. John Henry Comstock used the term in reference to these insects in his 1897 book Insect Life, but did not explain it. He also mentioned that anglers used the word “hellgrammite” for the aquatic larvae they used as bait, but the origin of this term is also unknown.
Are dobsonflies rare?
The dobsonfly is an uncommon aquatic insect Being so close to water, aquatic insects were commonplace.
Are dobsonfly poisonous?
Neither is known to be venomous , but the bite may be irritating. The dobsonflies use their pincers as a defense mechanism against any animal that bothers them however, their true purpose is for mating. If they feel attacked or are handled, both sexes will spread their jaws defensively.
Are dobsonflies related to dragonflies?
Adult dobsonflies and fishflies are large and have 2 pairs of wings and chewing mouthparts. They resemble dragonflies, but dobsonflies and fishflies cannot fly as well as dragonflies.
Are dobsonflies beneficial?
Dobsonflies and hellgrammites are beneficial insects. They are a key component of the food chain for fish that live in the streams and rivers where they are found. The predatory nature of the larvae helps keep other species in check, including blackflies, a serious biting pest.
Do hellgrammites turn into dobsonfly?
The fierce-looking, winged dobsonfly has a life cycle that lasts two to five years. They have com- plete metamorphosis. This is sometimes referred to as ELPA: Egg, Larva, Pupa, Adult. The larval stage, nicknamed a “hellgrammite,” is the most familiar.
What is a dobsonfly good for?
Dobsonfly larvae also have been known to feed on tadpoles and small fish. The adult stage does not feed. Description of Benefits (Pollinators, parasitoids, predators): Dobsonfly larvae play important role as predators in the food web by controlling populations of other aquatic invertebrates.
Will Dobson fly bite?
Females and larvae have smaller, sharper pincers that can pierce human skin. Despite their frightening looks and size, these insects are not a danger to people. Dobsonflies only bite when handled roughly, and while the bite is painful, the effects of a bite do not last very long.
What animals eat dobsonflies?
Fish, birds, and large invertebrates (animals without a backbone) eat dobsonflies. Fun Facts – Although they have prominent wings, dobsonflies are not very good fliers. Male dobsonflies have larger mandibles than females. Their mandibles are sickle-shaped and used to hold onto females during mating.
What is the scientific name of dobsonfly?
Common Name: Dobsonfly. Scientific Name: Corydalus sp. Order: Neuroptera. Description: Dobsonflies are large (can be over 2 inches long), and have long antennae. Their large, many veined forewings are often mottled. When at rest, wings are held flat over the back and extend beyond the abdomen.
What does an eastern dobsonfly look like?
Eastern dobsonfly adults are large, soft bodied, usually a drab gray, black, or brown, with prominent pincers and long antennae. The wings have conspicuous veins and are usually folded down the length of the body when at rest. The pincers (mandibles) of females are rather stubby and are capable of inflicting a painful bite.
How many types of dobsonflies are there?
In addition to the eastern dobsonfly, Corydalus cornutus, there are three dobsonflies of the genus Corydalus in the western U.S. For simplicity, the term “dobsonfly” throughout the remainder of this publication will refer to the eastern dobsonfly, Corydalus cornutus.
What is the difference between a dobsonfly and alderfly?
A dobsonfly, Corydalus sp. (Neuroptera: Corydalidae), male. Photo by C. L. Cole. Alderflies (Neuroptera: Sialidae) are similar to dobsonflies but smaller. Larvae of alderflies differ from hellgrammites in that they lack the two hooks at the end of the abdomen.