Giant Dobsonfly vs South American Dobsonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Dobsonfly South American Dobsonfly
Scientific Name Acanthacorydalis fruhstorferi Chloronia hieroglyphica
Order Megaloptera Megaloptera
Family Corydalidae Corydalidae
Size 60-90 mm body, 210 mm wingspan 60-90 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Asia South America
Conservation Data Deficient Data Deficient

Giant Dobsonfly

The largest aquatic insect in the world by wingspan, found in streams in Vietnam and China. Males have enormous mandibles resembling reindeer antlers.

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Did You Know?

With a wingspan of 21 cm, this is the worlds largest aquatic insect — its bizarre mandibles resemble reindeer antlers and are used exclusively for grappling rival males.

South American Dobsonfly

A large, distinctively patterned dobsonfly from South American mountain streams. Its wings bear intricate markings resembling hieroglyphic script.

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Did You Know?

Its elaborately patterned wings inspired the species name hieroglyphica.