Sialis itasca
This record describes Sialis itasca (species). Recorded family: Sialidae. Recorded order: Megaloptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Megaloptera (Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies)
- Family
- Sialidae (Alderflies)
- Genus
- Sialis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sialis itasca Ross, 1937
About Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Megaloptera, the group containing Sialis itasca. 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 Sialis itasca (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by KenW