Eastern Dobsonfly (Female) - Corydalus cornutus

This dobsonfly was absolutely huge! It was about 11-12 cm long. There was a smaller female nearby, but still impressive at around 10 cm. Adults do not feed, but will use their mandibles in self-defense.

Habitat: Attracted to a light in a semi-rural area

comments (8)

Ruth Spigelman

Lion

This is an awesome close up Christine! And what a meaty size, wow. Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Ruth :) Posted 6 years ago

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

SO COOL Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks! Posted 6 years ago

Gary B

Lion

Like some sci-fi monster. Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Lol, definitely! I was trying to show it to my husband, but he was too appalled that I was so close to it, and couldn't appreciate it's monster-like coolness. Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Gary B
    
    Lion
    
    It's a great headshot and I can see it being used in a thriller/sci-fi movie. The good part about the Dobsonfly is that it isn't a Zanti. Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Oh, lol...That would be scary. I would have had to scream like a little girl if it had been a Zanti. "There is nothing wrong with your television set...." Posted 6 years ago

The Eastern Dobsonfly

The eastern dobsonfly, "Corydalus cornutus", is a large insect in the Corydalidae family. It is found in eastern North America in regions with fast-flowing streams where its aquatic larvae develop. These are known as hellgrammites and are among the top invertebrate predators in the streams in which they live. They are used by anglers as bait.

Info 12 0

Similar species: Alderflies, Fishflies, Etc.

Species identified by Christine Young