#corydalus

[herpsandbirds]

A Hellgrammite, the aquatic larva of an Eastern Dobsonfly (Corydalus cornutus), family Corydalidae, found in a freshwater creek in Ohio, USA

photograph by Tim Spuckler

[coolbugs]

Bug of the Day

Ok, there were lots of votes for fuzzy (tomorrow, I promise), but I was inspired by @cccshutdown requesting "bring me the Longest beast you know" to post this ginormous female dobsonfly we found at the lights a couple of weeks ago. She is Eastern Dobsonfly (Corydalus cornutus), she is Megaloptera, and she is FIERCE!!

[savanisoptera]

Probably the most badass aquatic insect of all time, the Hellgrammite!

Corydalus is a genus within the family Corydalidae, and are often referred to by their nickname “Hellgrammites”. 

Beloved by fishermen, these sturdy larvae are known for their centipede-like appearance and large mandibles. Hellgrammites are voracious predators, and actively seek out prey like other smaller invertebrates. They can be found in a variety of aquatic systems, such as;streams, spring seeps, lakes, ponds etc. They are generally found where detritus is abundant. Another distinct quality hellgrammites have are their long, feather-like filaments that adorn their abdomen. The head and thoracic segments are sclerotized  and are often highly patterned. 

As far as water quality indicators go, they have an average tolerance for pollution, scoring a respectable 5.2/10 on the NCBI. To respire, they have tracheal gills (which would be found where the “neck” would be on the insect). 

The development from larvae to adult ranges from 2-5 years, and their pupation stage is terrestrial. Once emerged as adults, they are dubbed as Dobsonflies.  Akin to mayflies, adults do not eat, and emerge solely to reproduce and then die. In regards to reproduction, Dobsonflies display sexual dimorphism and sexual selection. Male specimens have long tusk-like mandibles as adults, which are used in mating rituals in competition with other males. In research it has been noted that longer/ larger mandibles in males are preferred for mating females.

EENY 414/IN987: Eastern Dobsonfly (Adult), Hellgrammite (Larva) Corydalus cornutus (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Megaloptera: Corydalidae: Corydalina

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension outreach is a partnership between state, federal, and county go

[coolbugs]

Bug of the Day

I was participating in that silly black & white photo meme on Facebook and came up with this dobsonfly gem. I loved it so much, I had to post it here! It reminds me of a Janet Jackson video for some reason...

[coolbugs]

Bug of the Day

Really psyched to have finally seen a male dobsonfly live and in the flesh! Those pincers are used in mating and are pretty wimpy, but that wasn’t my hand either :-).

[anyxie]

✨ Corydalus ✨

[wonderfulmangotea]

@glumshoe I met a very intimidating bug tonight at work! Apparently this is a corydalus or dobsonfly and I think a female at that? From what I looked up, males have scary long mandables!

Just thought you might find it interesting!

[coolbugs]

Bug of the Day

“Hi Sweetie!” *waves back*