MegalopteraCorydalidae – Dobsonflies and Fishflies3 data sources

Fishfly

Chauliodes pectinicornis

This record describes Chauliodes pectinicornis (species). Recorded family: Corydalidae. Recorded order: Megaloptera.

Identification and Appearance

Fishfly - Chauliodes pectinicornis
Recorded characteristics
Activity terms
  • flying
Other recorded terms
  • feathery
  • large
  • antennae
  • jaws

Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.

Wikipedia reference for Chauliodes pectinicornis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chauliodes_pectinicornis.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Megaloptera (Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies)
Family
Corydalidae (Dobsonflies and Fishflies)
Subfamily
Chauliodinae
Genus
Chauliodes

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

About Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies: the wider group

Order-level background for Megaloptera, the group containing Chauliodes pectinicornis. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Megaloptera (dobsonflies, fishflies, alderflies) includes ~380 described species. Male dobsonflies have enormous mandibles up to 40mm long - longer than their entire head - used in combat with rival males.

Ecological role of the group

Dobsonfly larvae (hellgrammites) are top predators in stream ecosystems, spending 2-5 years as aquatic nymphs before pupating. They can grow up to 90mm long, making them some of the largest aquatic insect larvae in North America.

Economic and practical significance of the group

Hellgrammites (dobsonfly larvae) are prized bait for bass fishing across North America. They are also important bioindicator species for freshwater stream health monitoring.

Recorded sources for this group: Freshwater ecology research, fishing industry. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Megaloptera families and species →

Photos of Fishfly (5)

Fishfly - photo 1
Fishfly - photo 2
Fishfly - photo 3
Fishfly - photo 4
Fishfly - photo 5