Dobsonflies and Fishflies

Family Corydalidae

Dobsonfly (Corydalus sp.). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Adults are usually found near water. Some species are attracted to lights and may be found some distance from the water. Larvae are sometimes called hellgrammites and are used as bait by fishermen. Corydalidae are very large and pale, with dull gray or brown wings. They are similar to alderflies (Sialidae) but generally larger. Adults often have very large mandibles.