An Up Close Look at a Dobsonfly

The Dobsonfly is a fascinating insect that belongs to the family Corydalidae. It’s known for its rather dramatic appearance, especially in the case of the males, which have long, intimidating mandibles that can be as long as their heads! Despite their fearsome look, these mandibles are mostly used for courtship displays and are not strong enough to bite.
Dobsonflies are found near streams, rivers, or other freshwater sources, as their larvae, called hellgrammites, are aquatic. Hellgrammites are voracious predators and play an important role in freshwater ecosystems by feeding on other small aquatic organisms. These larvae can live underwater for several years before transforming into adults.
The adult Dobsonflies are much shorter-lived, often surviving only about a week or so, during which they focus on mating. They are most active at night and are attracted to light sources. While they may look a bit scary, Dobsonflies are harmless to humans.

They’re also considered a good indicator of water quality, as their larvae require clean, well-oxygenated water to thrive. Their unique lifecycle and striking appearance make them a favorite subject of study for entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike!