Eastern Dobsonfly
Corydalus cornutus
The male's massive, sickle-shaped mandibles are used exclusively for grappling with other males during mating and cannot actually bite effectively.
- Scientific name
- Corydalus cornutus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Megaloptera › Corydalidae › Corydalus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- wetland
- Habitat
- Fast-flowing, rocky-bottomed rivers and streams with high oxygen content.
- Diet
- Larvae are predatory, eating aquatic insects; adults rarely feed but may take nectar.
- Range
- Eastern North America, Mississippi River Basin, Appalachian Region, Southeastern Canada
- Size
- Wingspan up to 13 cm; body length 5-7 cm.
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years as larvae; 3-10 days as adults.
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Water pollution, sedimentation of riverbeds, and excessive artificial light attraction.
- Safe to approach?
- Observe from a distance. While males have intimidating tusks, they are harmless; however, females and larvae (hellgrammites) can deliver a painful, non-venomous bite. If bitten, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection.
The eastern dobsonfly , Corydalus cornutus , is a large insect in the Corydalidae family. It is found in eastern North America in regions with fast-flowing streams where its aquatic larvae develop. These are known as hellgrammites and are among the top invertebrate predators in the streams in which they live. They are used by anglers as bait.
Photo: aispinsects, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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