Dobsonfly (likely male)

Adults occur near forested streams and rivers, especially where water is clean and oxygen-rich. Larvae live beneath stones and debris in flowing freshwater.

Adults feed little or not at all, relying largely on larval energy reserves; some may drink water or consume nectar. Larvae are predatory on aquatic invertebrates.

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights, with broad, veined wings held rooflike over the body. Larvae, called hellgrammites, spend several years underwater before emerging to pupate and mature.

They are not venomous, but adults can bite if handled, and males’ oversized mandibles may look threatening. Larvae are valuable stream-health indicators and important predators in freshwater food webs.