The Eastern Dobsonfly is one of North America's largest insects, with a wingspan reaching 5 inches and males bearing absurdly long, crossed mandibles that look fearsome but are used only in mating competition. Females have shorter, functional mandibles that can deliver a sharp bite. The aquatic larva, the hellgrammite, is prized as fishing bait and is a clean-water indicator species.
Habitat
Rocky streams and rivers with clean water
Diet
Larvae: aquatic invertebrates in stream gravel. Adults: little or no feeding
How common
Uncommon
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