Dobsonflies are very large and bizarre looking insects. Males of species in the New World genus Corydalus possess extremely enlarged mandibles. The majority of species in this relatively speciose genus (ca. 30 species) occur in the Neotropics. The larvae, which are called hellgrammites, live in streams and rivers where they play important roles as predators in aquatic invertebrate food chains.
Species:
Corydalus cornutus, larva [from Rasmussen & Pescador (2002)]
Corydalus cornutus (L.) is the only Corydalus species found east of the Mississippi River; it is widespread over much of eastern North America. In Florida this species is quite common and occurs throughout the panhandle and over most of the peninsula. Larvae typically live in streams and rivers with moderate to fast current and are often found on coarse woody debris. Adults are present in Florida from late-Spring to late-Summer.
Corydalus cornutus adult male [from Glorioso (1981)]
page content updated 24 October 2003