Eastern Dobsonfly

Found near clean, fast-flowing freshwater streams and rivers throughout eastern North America.

Adults typically do not feed or may consume small amounts of nectar or water. Aquatic larvae (hellgrammites) are predatory, eating other aquatic insects.

They are nocturnal and attracted to artificial lights at night. They spend most of their lives in the aquatic larval stage (up to 3 years) before emerging as short-lived adults to mate.

They are harmless to humans, though females can deliver a painful (but non-venomous) pinch if handled. They are beneficial ecosystem indicators as they require high-quality, unpolluted water to survive.