THE INSECTLIBRARY FIELD GUIDES
DobsonflyIdentification, facts & practical guidance
Dobsonflies are large, net-winged insects whose aquatic larvae are called hellgrammites. The eastern dobsonfly is Corydalus cornutus.
Compiled by the InsectLibrary Team · Updated · Editorial policy
Identification and lookalikes
Adults have strongly veined wings and conspicuous jaws. Eastern males have exceptionally long mandibles; females have shorter jaws that can pinch. Fishflies share the family Corydalidae but are not dobsonflies.
Hellgrammites and streams
Eastern dobsonfly larvae live in flowing water and prey on other aquatic animals. Adults are often attracted to lights near water. The eastern species is an example, not a description of every dobsonfly worldwide.
What to do next
Photograph without holding it. Larvae and adult females can give a painful pinch. Leave stream rocks and the animals beneath them undisturbed.
Dobsonfly: species profiles
Explore 7 species profiles covered by this guide, with recorded names and available photos.
Dobsonfly
Corydalus cornutus
(c) Michael A. Thaibinh, some rights reserved (CC BY)Corydalus luteus
Corydalus luteus
Corydalus flavicornis
Corydalus flavicornis
Corydalus peruvianus
Corydalus peruvianus
Western Dobsonfly
Corydalus texanus
Corydalus armatus
Corydalus armatus
Corydalus australis
Corydalus australis
Sources and further reading
- mdc.mo.gov - eastern dobsonflyhttps://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/eastern-dobsonfly
References support the subject discussed here; they do not certify every imported directory record. Regional sources describe their own locations. Read our source and correction policy.