Dysmicohermes ingens
This record describes Dysmicohermes ingens (species). Recorded family: Corydalidae. Recorded order: Megaloptera.
Identification and Appearance
closely related to D. disjunctus (Walker) but in the latter the wing spots are larger, more intense and the membrane more hyaline, the head is less strongly punctured and more rugose, the ocelli a little smaller and the transverse postocular depression less pronounced, the four raised areas on the vertex are separated by a medial and transverse groove of even width so as to form a nearly perfect cross.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Megaloptera (Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies)
- Family
- Corydalidae (Dobsonflies and Fishflies)
- Subfamily
- Chauliodinae
- Genus
- Dysmicohermes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California
Seasonal Activity
adults fly in July
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dysmicohermes ingens Chandler 1954
About Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Megaloptera, the group containing Dysmicohermes ingens. 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.
Photos of Dysmicohermes ingens (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dysmicohermes ingens
What is Dysmicohermes ingens?
Dysmicohermes ingens is a species in the family Corydalidae, within the order Megaloptera.
How big is Dysmicohermes ingens?
wingspan 120 mm (male) to 160 mm (female), one of the largest wingspans of any megalopteran
How do you identify Dysmicohermes ingens?
closely related to D. disjunctus (Walker) but in the latter the wing spots are larger, more intense and the membrane more hyaline, the head is less strongly punctured and more rugose, the ocelli a little smaller and the transverse postocular depression less pronounced, the four raised areas on the vertex are separated by a medial and transverse groove of even width so as to form a nearly perfect cross.
Where is Dysmicohermes ingens found?
Range: California
When is Dysmicohermes ingens active?
Dysmicohermes ingens: seasonal activity - adults fly in July.