Bug Identifier
Fishfly
Community identification

Fishfly

Chauliodinae (subfamily)

Order & Family
Megaloptera, Corydalidae
Size
1 to 2.5 inches (25 to 65 mm)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.