| Actual Image
Horror Show (62)
marhowie
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5745 W: 1227 N: 10527]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (34685) | Common Name: Dobsonfly
Scientific Name: Corydalus sp.
Order: Neuroptera
This male Dobsonfly flew in during the night, while letting the dogs in-n-out. I've called this "Horror Show" because he really looks like a nightmare..Tall, Dark, and..gruesome :)
I've ATTACHED A FULL SIZE VIEW IN THE WORKSHOP IF YOU'RE INTERESTED.
Description: Dobsonflies are large (can be over 2 inches long), and have long antennae. Their large, many veined forewings are often mottled. When at rest, wings are held flat over the back and extend beyond the abdomen. Males have long, extended curved mandibles which are used to grasp the female during mating. Aquatic immature stages, called hellgrammites are elongate, dull colored larvae with gill filaments and feathery gill clusters along the sides of the abdomen. They have two hooks on the end of the abdomen.
Alderflies (Neuroptera: Sialidae) are similar to dobsonflies but smaller. Larvae of alderflies differ from hellgrammites in that they lack the two hooks at the end of the abdomen.
Life Cycle: Immatures develop in water, especially well oxygenated and high quality water.
Habitat and Food Source(s): The adults probably do not feed. The long mandibles of the males would make feeding very difficult. Hellgrammites are aggressive predators that attack other aquatic insects and other organisms in the water. They are found in flowing rivers and streams hidden among rocks. Immatures can be collected in riffle areas of streams where they hide among rocks (see Mayflies).
Pest Status: Adults are noticed when attracted to lights at night. Immatures (hellgrammites) are collected and used as fish bait; immatures are fierce biters, but medically harmless.
Info courtesy of AgriLifeExtension.com, Texas A&M System.
Original cropped to 3600x2400, and I used the 36mm ext ring on this. The insect was not harmed in any way. The cooler temperatures of the house's air conditioned environment slowed it down enough for this photo shoot :)
Thanx for lookin' |
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