Eastern Dobsonfly

The eastern dobsonfly, Corydalus cornutus, is a large insect in the Corydalidae family. The larvae are known as hellgrammites and are among the top invertebrate predators in the streams in which they live, and are used by anglers as bait. Scientific Name: Corydalus cornutus Range: Eastern North America Size: Wingspan up to 13 cm Status: Native ID Notes: Large, soft-bodied with two pairs of net-veined wings. Males have ENORMOUS sickle-shaped mandibles (up to 4 cm). Behavior / Notes: Male mandibles are too unwieldy to bite hard — used for grappling rival males and mating. Larvae (HELLGRAMMITES) are prized bass bait.