Fishflies are members of the subfamily Chauliodinae, belonging to the megalopteran family Corydalidae. They are most easily distinguished from their closest relatives, dobsonflies, by the jaws (mandibles) and antennae. In contrast to the large jaws (especially in males) of dobsonflies, fishfly mandibles are not particularly noticeable or distinctive, and the males have feathery antennae similar to many large moths. Chauliodes pectinicornis, the "summer fishfly", is a well-known species in North America.
Fishflies lay their eggs upon vegetation overhanging streams, whence the larvae, as soon as hatched, drop into the water, and go about preying upon aquatic animals. When ready to transform to pupae, they crawl out upon the bank and are then found in cavities under stones or even under the bark of trees.
In contrast to mayflies, which are small and usually live for a day or less as adults, fishflies are quite large, with a wingspan of 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 8Â cm). They will eat aquatic plants as well as small animals including vertebrates like minnows and tadpoles, and may live up to seven days as adults. Their entire lifespan is several years, but most of this time is spent as larvae.
Footnotes
References
- Haaramo, Mikko (2008): Mikko's Phylogeny Archive: Corydalidae. Version of 2008-MAR-11. Retrieved 2008-MAY-05.
External links
- BugGuide.net
- InsectIdentification.org
- University of Kentucky
- University of Virginia
- InsectIdentification.org Fishfly photos