Malagasy Dobsonfly vs European Hangingfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Malagasy Dobsonfly | European Hangingfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neochauliodes madagascariensis | Bittacus italicus |
| Order | Megaloptera | Mecoptera |
| Family | Corydalidae | Bittacidae |
| Size | 40-60 mm wingspan | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Grasslands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Madagascar | Europe |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Malagasy Dobsonfly
A large, brown-winged insect with broad wings held tent-like over the body at rest. Males may have elongated mandibles. Larvae are aquatic and known as hellgrammites.
Did You Know?
The aquatic larvae are considered indicators of clean water quality, as they cannot tolerate polluted streams.
European Hangingfly
A delicate predatory insect with long legs that hangs from grass stems and snatches prey with its prehensile hind tarsi. Found in Mediterranean grasslands.
Did You Know?
The prehensile hind tarsi of hangingflies can close like a jackknife, trapping prey in a fraction of a second.