Summer Fishfly vs Western Dobsonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Summer Fishfly Western Dobsonfly
Scientific Name Chauliodes pectinicornis Neohermes californicus
Order Megaloptera Megaloptera
Family Corydalidae Corydalidae
Size 25-40 mm 50-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions North America Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Summer Fishfly

A medium-sized fishfly emerging in summer with distinctive dark-veined wings and feathery antennae. Larvae develop in muddy stream bottoms.

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Did You Know?

Unlike dobsonfly larvae that prefer fast-flowing water, summer fishfly larvae thrive in slow muddy pools and swamps.

Western Dobsonfly

A large dobsonfly of western North American streams, smaller than its eastern relative. Larvae are top predators under rocks in cool mountain streams.

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Did You Know?

Unlike eastern dobsonflies, males of this species lack the enlarged mandibles.