Alderflies, Fishflies and Dobsonflies

Dobsonflies, Fishflies and Alderflies are from the all-encompassing order Megaloptera. No fewer than 43 species of megalopterans are known in North America with some 300 or so known species worldwide. In general, this order of insect lives a rather short life and, interestingly, does not need to eat. All three insect types feature long antenna though of differing design and large compound eyes while Dobsonflies and Fishflies add smaller simple eyes to the mix. Each species can also fly and is seen with two sets of wings, these lying flat on the Dobsonfly and Fishfly and inward canted on the Alderfly when at rest.

All of these species begin life as larvae in water sources (water sources can be either calm or active). These larvae are noted for their length and multiple leg pairs as well as protrusions that appear as legs but serve as gills. The larvae lie in ambush and prey on other insect larvae, waterborne invertebrates and water-based creatures such as clams.

The Dobsonfly is the noted species of this group for their imposing size and appearance. Identified by the long mandibles on the males, these are used to fight off other males in the mating process. The Dobsonfly and the Fishfly are mostly active at night and attracted to light sources. For female Megalopterans, they lay their eggs in the hundreds - sometimes even thousands - and will remain near water sources during the process. The hatchlings can then be born and slip directly into the water or find many other places to hide for protection during these early days. Maturity is reached through multiple phases of metamorphosis.

There are 2 Alderflies, Fishflies and Dobsonflies in the Insect Identification database.
Those listed below are showcased in alphabetical order.