The class Insecta or simply insect has a wide variety of species present almost everywhere. There are still a lot of them we often see that we know nothing about. We are already accustomed to house pests, such as termites and bed bugs. Meanwhile, some have magnificent appearances, like the butterflies, fireflies, and ladybugs.
Other ubiquitous insects like house flies, cockroaches, and mosquitoes can be annoying as hell. But, some of the family members can invade our homes even if they are found near water. This hellgrammite called Dobsonfly is a fairly impressive predator, so its terrifying appearance can speak for itself. This article will look at Dobsonflies and some common problems they can cause us.
What is a Dobsonfly?
The genera of Dobsonflies belongs to the same order as Snake Flies and Antlions. These aquatic insects grow near the water at the larval stage but eventually go to the land once they mature. Dobsonfly larvae or hellgrammites are impeccable predators that eat small fishes despite the early stage. These are basic things about them.
Size
Dobsonfly eggs are about 1 mm in length and 0.5 mm in width. They are laid at 1,000 per cluster with a diameter of about two centimeters. A dobsonfly can grow from 7.5 to 9 cm in length during the larval stage, making it a capable small insect and fish hunter. In the pupal stage, its body furrows as it slowly develops its wings and antennae. Once it becomes an adult, its size can stretch from 10 cm to 14 cm or almost half of a ruler.
Color
From gray cylindrical eggs, dull colored larvae turn light brown covered by dark brown micro spines and black dorsal plates called tergites. When they become a pupa, they appear yellow-orange with darker splotches in the abdomen. Their color and furrowed appearance can be compared to cooked shrimp. But, they don’t have a colorful ending like a butterfly. Their bodies and wings are only drab gray, black, or brown.
Body type
From egg to adult, a dobsonfly has a cylindrical body. As a larva, its body is covered with micro spines. Its thorax alone has black tergites or dorsal plates. Its body becomes exarate and yellow-orange as a pupa. Minute setae surround it, and the mandibles become visible but folded up like an accordion. It develops the remaining parts with a still cylindrical body shape when it reaches the adult stage.
Wings and Limbs
Dobsonflies are large insects, measuring over five inches. As an adult, the antennae and large wings of a dobsonfly are developed. The pincer-like mandibles of the male are strong enough to inflict a painful bite and draw blood from the skin.
Male vs female
Male and female dobsonflies’ body size and shape become more distinguishable during the pupal stage. The male pupa has a small tubercle on the sternum of the prothoracic part. Although folded like an accordion, it also has larger mandibles and has wider head capsules than the female. During the adult stage, the mandibles of male dobsonflies are sickle-shaped and longer than the female. But both are powerful enough to inflict a painful bite and draw blood from the skin.
Habitat
A dobsonfly spends most of its life under stones or snags near the water. They feed on soft-bodied insects and small fishes. When the pupal stage comes, it leaves waters for conducive pupation, typically under larger debris. So, even if it stays on the soil, it maintains a moist environment. Afterward, it will often be found in tree trunks or anywhere within thick vegetation near a stream.
Life Cycle and Biology
Dobsonfly eggs are laid in clusters and hatch within two weeks, always at night. The small hellgrammites or larvae swim to a rocky bottom to develop. The larval stage of dobsonflies is the longest part that takes one to three years or more. They are good predators that feed on smaller insects and fishes due to their pincers that enable them to produce a powerful bite.
After this part, they will move to the soil to find a suitable place for pupation, lasting for fourteen days. They typically pupate near or under debris to maintain a moist environment. But when they reach the final development or adulthood, they only live for a week. The whole life cycle of dobsonflies takes two to five years on average.
Damage Caused by Dobsonflies
Dobsonflies are prolific, although they are not often seen in towns or urban areas. They have environmental benefits and must be conserved. Their large wings and mandibles make them look even more terrifying. Fortunately, dobsonflies are harmless to humans and do not destroy homes.
But, they can cause damage when ignored or handled improperly. Dobsonflies can become a nuisance when they infest homes in multitude, Beware of the female dobsonflies. Their short inconspicuous jaws are powerful enough to inflict a painful bite. They bite more often than males despite their smaller mandibles. Their bites are harmless and do not require control treatments but are comparable to large tropical tarantulas.
Dobsonfly insecticides must be used to get rid of them. But, it is better to prevent it in the first place. Watch out for wet areas, such as swimming pools, uncovered large water containers, and excess moisture in the soil. Turn off the lights outside, switch to yellow bug bulbs, and close the windows and curtains.
Did you know?
Did you know that like many other insect species, an adult dobsonfly has a very short lifespan of about 6–10 days? The adult form uses its ability to fly to locate mates, and females can lay hundreds of eggs on stream banks and rocks before they die.
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