Saw-combed Fishfly
Nigronia serricornis
This record describes Nigronia serricornis (species). Recorded family: Corydalidae. Recorded order: Megaloptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wings: Dark brown with a narrow uneven white stripe across mid wing, not complete; or a very wide, bright white stripe without the dark spots on base half of stripe. Some white spots near wing tip. Hind wing dark brown with white spots near wing tips; no white stripe across middle of wing. In N. fasciatus , stripe across wings has speckling of brown spots along base half. Hind wings have white stripe across middle of wing.
Wikipedia reference for Nigronia serricornis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigronia_serricornis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Megaloptera (Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies)
- Family
- Corydalidae (Dobsonflies and Fishflies)
- Subfamily
- Chauliodinae
- Genus
- Nigronia (Dark Fishflies)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Shaded rocky streams with branches and logs.
Geographic Range
e.NA (e.Canada to MB + 30 US states)
Seasonal Activity
April to early July in the north; all season in the south.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on larvae of Simulium, Cheumatopsyche, Hydropsyche, Chironomidae and can be cannibalistic.
Life History
Females lay egg masses from May to early June on the underside of leaves and branches over-hanging streams. hatching larvae drop into water. Larvae pupate on shore, under rocks, moss or in rotten wood. Life cycle 2‒3 years.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nigronia serricornis (Say 1824)
About Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Megaloptera, the group containing Nigronia serricornis. 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 Saw-combed Fishfly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , v belov , lee_penner , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Saw-combed Fishfly
What is Saw-combed Fishfly?
Saw-combed Fishfly (Nigronia serricornis) is a species in the family Corydalidae, within the order Megaloptera.
How do you identify Saw-combed Fishfly?
Wings: Dark brown with a narrow uneven white stripe across mid wing, not complete; or a very wide, bright white stripe without the dark spots on base half of stripe. Some white spots near wing tip. Hind wing dark brown with white spots near wing tips; no white stripe across middle of wing. In N. fasciatus , stripe across wings has speckling of brown spots along base half. Hind wings have white stripe across middle of wing.
Where is Saw-combed Fishfly found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Shaded rocky streams with branches and logs. |
| Range | e.NA (e.Canada to MB + 30 US states) |
What does Saw-combed Fishfly eat?
The diet of the Saw-combed Fishfly includes Larvae feed on larvae of Simulium, Cheumatopsyche, Hydropsyche, Chironomidae and can be cannibalistic..
When is Saw-combed Fishfly active?
Saw-combed Fishfly: seasonal activity - April to early July in the north; all season in the south..
What is the life cycle of a Saw-combed Fishfly?
Females lay egg masses from May to early June on the underside of leaves and branches over-hanging streams. hatching larvae drop into water. Larvae pupate on shore, under rocks, moss or in rotten wood. Life cycle 2‒3 years.