Dobsonfly

Description:

Eggs: Dobsonfly eggs are gray, cylindrical and a little less than 1.5 mm in length and 0.5 mm in width. They are laid in clusters (about 2 cm in diameter) with an average of approximately 1,000 eggs/cluster (Baker and Neunzig 1968, Mangan 1992.). The eggs are arranged in three layers, and the egg mass is covered with a clear fluid by a brushing motion of the tip of the female's abdomen. The clear fluid dries to a white color. Superficially, the egg masses resemble large bird droppings. Adults: Adult dobsonflies are large insects, 100 to 140 mm (Arnett 2000), with large wings from which the order name Megaloptera (large wing) is derived. The female has short powerful mandibles similar in size to those of the larva and is capable of drawing blood with her bite. The male has long, sickle-shaped mandibles (up to 40 mm in length) and is incapable of inflicting a painful bite.

Habitat:

The dobsonfly is found throughout most of eastern North America east of the Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico near flowing streams which provide habitat for its larvae.

Notes:

She is very ugly