Corydalidae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corydalidae |
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| A Corydalus species, also known as a dobsonfly. | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Unrecognized taxon (fix): | Corydalidae |
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The family Corydalidae includes fascinating insects known as dobsonflies and fishflies. These creatures are part of a larger group called Megaloptera. You can find them in many parts of the world, especially across North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Africa (like South Africa), and Asia.
Dobsonflies and fishflies are quite large, often growing to more than 25 mm (about 1 inch) long. One of the coolest things about these insects is their aquatic larvae, which are often called hellgrammites. These larvae live in water and are known for their strong, sharp jaws. Hellgrammites are sometimes used by people as bait for fishing!
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What Are Dobsonflies and Fishflies?
Adult dobsonflies and fishflies have four big, see-through wings that can be clear, smoky grey, or a mix of colors. Their front wings are a little longer than their back wings. Many have long, thin antennae, but male fishflies have unique feathery antennae.
Their larvae, the hellgrammites, are active hunters in the water. They breathe using special gill-like filaments on their bodies. They are known for their strong, sharp mandibles (jaws).
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A Parachauliodes japonicus larva, or hellgrammite.
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Another view of a hellgrammite larva.
The Amazing Life Cycle
The life cycle of dobsonflies and fishflies is quite interesting. It starts with the larvae, the hellgrammites, living in streams and rivers.
These larvae can spend several years growing underwater. Once they are fully grown, they leave the water. They then find a safe, quiet spot on land, often digging chambers under stones or logs. Here, they enter a pupal stage, which is a resting phase. During this time, they transform through metamorphosis into their adult, winged form.
Where Do Dobsonflies and Fishflies Live?
These insects are found all over the world. In North America, one of the most famous is the Eastern Dobsonfly, known scientifically as Corydalus cornutus.
Scientists divide these insects into two main groups, or subfamilies:
- Dobsonflies (part of the Corydalinae subfamily): The males in this group have very long, impressive jaws, called mandibles.
- Fishflies (part of the Chauliodinae subfamily): The males in this group have mandibles that are a more normal size.
The Summer Fishfly, Chauliodes pectinicornis, is another well-known species in North America. In the Upper Mississippi River region, huge gatherings of these fishflies can fill the air on summer nights. These events are similar to how mayflies gather in parts of Europe. After these large swarms, many dead insects are left behind.
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An adult Chauliodes pectinicornis, a type of fishfly.
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Acanthacorydalis asiatica, a dobsonfly species.
How Scientists Classify Them
Scientists group dobsonflies and fishflies into the family Corydalidae. This family is then split into two main subfamilies: the Corydalinae (which includes dobsonflies) and the Chauliodinae (which includes fishflies).
To tell different species apart, scientists look closely at their external features, like the shape of their bodies, wings, and antennae. There are many different types, or genera, within the Corydalidae family.
