
Community identification
Fishfly
Chauliodinae (subfamily)
- Order & Family
- Megaloptera, Corydalidae
- Size
- 1 to 2.5 inches (25 to 65 mm)
Natural Habitat
Found near freshwater sources like ponds, lakes, and streams where their aquatic larvae live.
Diet & Feeding
Adults may not feed at all or drink nectar; larvae (hellgrammites) are predatory, eating small aquatic insects.
Behavior Patterns
Active primarily at night and strongly attracted to artificial lights; they have a short adult lifespan focused on mating and egg-laying.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans; larvae serve as an excellent environmental indicator of water quality and a food source for fish.