South African Dobsonfly vs Giant Dobsonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South African Dobsonfly Giant Dobsonfly
Scientific Name Taeniochauliodes ochraceus Acanthacorydalis fruhstorferi
Order Megaloptera Megaloptera
Family Corydalidae Corydalidae
Size 25-40 mm body 60-90 mm body, 210 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Africa Asia
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

South African Dobsonfly

A large dobsonfly from southern African rivers with broad amber-tinged wings.

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Did You Know?

Its hellgrammite larvae are important predators in South African freshwater ecosystems.

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.