Bug Identifier
Fishfly (Male)
Community identification

Fishfly (Male)

Chauliodes pectinicornis

Order & Family
Megaloptera, Corydalidae
Size
25 - 50 mm (1 - 2 inches) in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Near standing or slow-moving water like ponds, swamps, and lakes with abundant vegetation

Diet & Feeding

Adults likely eat little to nothing, focusing on reproduction; larvae (hellgrammites) are aquatic predators of small insects

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and strongly attracted to lights; males have feathered (pectinate) antennae to sense female pheromones; short adult lifespan

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting; beneficial as environmental indicators of good water quality and as food for fish