Hellgrammite vs Western Fishfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hellgrammite Western Fishfly
Scientific Name Nigronia serricornis Neohermes filicornis
Order Megaloptera Megaloptera
Family Corydalidae Corydalidae
Size 40-60 mm wingspan 40-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Eastern North America Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hellgrammite

A dark-colored dobsonfly whose larvae, known as hellgrammites, are prized as fishing bait. Adults are smaller than Corydalus and have serrated antennae.

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Did You Know?

Hellgrammite larvae are so effective as fishing bait that they are commercially collected and sold to anglers.

Western Fishfly

A western North American fishfly with feathery antennae and brownish wings. Adults are attracted to lights near streams where their larvae develop.

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Did You Know?

Fishflies are distinguished from dobsonflies by their feathery antennae and lack of massive mandibles in males.