Giant Dobsonfly vs Summer Fishfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Dobsonfly Summer Fishfly
Scientific Name Acanthacorydalis fruhstorferi Chauliodes pectinicornis
Order Megaloptera Megaloptera
Family Corydalidae Corydalidae
Size 60-90 mm body, 210 mm wingspan 25-40 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Asia North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

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.

Summer Fishfly

A medium-sized fishfly emerging in summer with distinctive dark-veined wings and feathery antennae. Larvae develop in muddy stream bottoms.

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Did You Know?

Unlike dobsonfly larvae that prefer fast-flowing water, summer fishfly larvae thrive in slow muddy pools and swamps.