Neohermes inexpectatus
This record describes Neohermes inexpectatus (species). Recorded family: Corydalidae. Recorded order: Megaloptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dark markings in forewing indistinct and distant or reduced along the longitudinal veins; distinguished from similar Protochauliodes by the crossvein beyond posterior Rs branch fork of the forewing. Described from material collected during 1950s thru 1970s. The submission here may represent the first specimen since the 1970s.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Megaloptera (Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies)
- Family
- Corydalidae (Dobsonflies and Fishflies)
- Subfamily
- Chauliodinae
- Genus
- Neohermes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA (Northern Coastal Range)
Seasonal Activity
Jun‒Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neohermes inexpectatus Liu & Winterton 2016
About Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Megaloptera, the group containing Neohermes inexpectatus. 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 Neohermes inexpectatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Neohermes inexpectatus
What is Neohermes inexpectatus?
Neohermes inexpectatus is a species in the family Corydalidae, within the order Megaloptera.
How big is Neohermes inexpectatus?
♀: body 20‒27 mm, forewing 29‒33 mm, hindwing 25‒29 mm; ♂: body 19 mm, forewing 26 mm, hindwing 23 mm
How do you identify Neohermes inexpectatus?
Dark markings in forewing indistinct and distant or reduced along the longitudinal veins; distinguished from similar Protochauliodes by the crossvein beyond posterior Rs branch fork of the forewing.
Where is Neohermes inexpectatus found?
Range: CA (Northern Coastal Range)
When is Neohermes inexpectatus active?
Neohermes inexpectatus: seasonal activity - Jun‒Oct.