Fishflies

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chauliodinae: //kaʊliːoʊˈdɪnaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Fishflies, belonging to the subfamily Chauliodinae, are large aquatic insects primarily found near streams. They are characterized by their feathery antennae and less notable mandibles compared to dobsonflies. Their life cycle involves a significant aquatic larval phase and a short adult stage.

Physical Characteristics

Fishflies are quite large, with a wingspan of 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 8 cm). Male fishflies have feathery antennae, while the mandibles are not particularly noticeable or distinctive compared to those of dobsonflies.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from dobsonflies by their less prominent mandibles and feathery antennae. Chauliodes pectinicornis, known as the 'summer fishfly', is a notable species in North America.

Habitat

Fishflies lay their eggs upon vegetation overhanging streams. The larvae drop into the water upon hatching and are often found in aquatic environments.

Distribution

Approximately 19 species in North America, with around 130 species worldwide. Genera are distributed across the New World and some endemic genera in Africa and Australia.

Diet

Fishflies prey upon aquatic animals and consume aquatic plants as well as small animals, including vertebrates like minnows and tadpoles.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes an aquatic larval stage, pupation on land, and a brief adult stage that lasts up to seven days, though their entire lifespan can be several years.

Reproduction

Fishflies lay eggs on overhanging vegetation, and the larvae fall into the water upon hatching, beginning a predatory life cycle.

Ecosystem Role

Fishfly larvae are predators in aquatic habitats, contributing to the control of small aquatic animal populations.

Similar Taxa

• Dobsonflies (Corydalinae)

Tags

• insects
• aquatic
• Corydalidae
• Chauliodinae
• fishflies