Snipe Fly vs Japanese Dobsonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Snipe Fly | Japanese Dobsonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhagio scolopaceus | Protohermes grandis |
| Order | Diptera | Megaloptera |
| Family | Rhagionidae | Corydalidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm | 40-60 mm body length |
| Habitat | Hedgerows | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | East Asia, Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Snipe Fly
A slender, brownish fly with a pointed abdomen and spotted wings that typically perches head-down on tree trunks and fence posts. Adults are ambush predators of smaller insects.
Did You Know?
This fly characteristically rests head-down on vertical surfaces, earning it the folk name "down-looker fly," and lunges at passing prey from this position.
Japanese Dobsonfly
A large aquatic insect known as 'hebi-tonbo' (snake dragonfly) in Japanese. The adult males have elongated, curved mandibles. Larvae called 'magotaro-mushi' are used as fishing bait.
Did You Know?
Dobsonfly larvae are prized as live fishing bait in Japan and are collected from stream rocks by anglers targeting ayu (sweetfish).