South American Dobsonfly vs Hellgrammite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South American Dobsonfly Hellgrammite
Scientific Name Chloronia hieroglyphica Nigronia serricornis
Order Megaloptera Megaloptera
Family Corydalidae Corydalidae
Size 60-90 mm wingspan 40-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions South America Eastern North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

South American Dobsonfly

A large, distinctively patterned dobsonfly from South American mountain streams. Its wings bear intricate markings resembling hieroglyphic script.

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Did You Know?

Its elaborately patterned wings inspired the species name hieroglyphica.

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.