Dobsonflies

Corydalus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Megaloptera
Family: Corydalidae
Subfamily: Corydalinae
Genus: Corydalus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Corydalus: //ˈkɔːrɪdələs//

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

Images

Corydalus texanus 133504357 by Tommy. Used under a CC0 license.

Corydalus texanus 145295797 by Robb Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.

Corydalus texanus 211708697 by Lexi Amico. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Corydalus texanus 179760055 by Robb Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.

Corydalus cornutus 5210004 by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.

Corydalus cornutus 5000010 by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.

Summary

Corydalus is a genus of large flying insects within the Corydalidae family, known as dobsonflies. They are primarily distributed in the Americas with notable predacious larvae called hellgrammites. Sexual dimorphism is evident with males having prominent mandibles used in mating rituals.

Physical Characteristics

Large insects with male specimens having large mandibles. Wing lengths can reach up to 85 millimetres. Prominent head flaring at the neck region.

Identification Tips

Males are identified by their significantly larger mandibles compared to females. The head shape differs from fishflies, which have a more gradual tapering.

Habitat

Aquatic environments, mainly found in freshwater habitats as hellgrammites (larvae). Adult stages are often found near water bodies.

Distribution

Endemic to North, Central, and South America, with the majority of species, over 75%, found in South America. The only Nearctic species, C. cornutus, is found in Eastern North America, while other species are primarily in the southwestern regions.

Diet

Larvae (hellgrammites) are aquatic predators; adults do not feed.

Life Cycle

Adults have a short lifespan of only a few days. The life cycle includes an aquatic larval stage and a brief adult stage.

Reproduction

Mating involves males using their large mandibles to grasp the females. Females have shorter jaws and can inflict bites effectively.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae are predators in freshwater ecosystems, contributing to the control of other aquatic insect populations.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Misunderstood due to their large mandibles, which may be perceived as aggressive. However, the adults do not feed and have a short lifespan.