Fishflies

Definition

Aquatic insects of the subfamily Chauliodinae (family Corydalidae, order Megaloptera), characterized by males with conspicuously pectinate (feathery) antennae and relatively unremarkable mandibles compared to the enlarged jaws of their close relatives, the dobsonflies. Adults are nocturnal and strongly attracted to lights; larvae are predatory, elongate, and inhabit well-oxygenated streams and rivers.

Etymology

From the aquatic habitat of larvae and adults' attraction to fish-bait lights; not predatory on fish.

Example

Chauliodes pectinicornis, the summer fishfly, is a common species in eastern North America where males gather at lights with their comb-like antennae fully spread.

Synonyms

• Chauliodinae

Related Terms

• Dobsonflies
• Megaloptera
• Corydalidae
• Alderflies
• Pectinate antennae
• Aquatic insects
• Hellgrammites

Usage Notes

Distinguished from dobsonflies (subfamily Corydalinae) primarily by antennae structure and mandible size; both groups have aquatic larvae often called 'hellgrammites' or 'crawlerbacks.' Fishfly is sometimes applied loosely to any large aquatic neuropteroid, but technically restricted to Chauliodinae.