Eastern Dobsonfly
2022-06-24 - Adair Co., KY - Photo by Marie Freeman
By Marie Freeman
The Eastern Dobsonfly is the most commonly encountered dobsonfly in Kentucky. It is among Kentucky's most distinctive insects and is sought after by collectors and photographers.
Dobsonflies and fishflies live most of their lives in the larval stage, often 2 or 3 years. Larval dobsonflies and fishflies, often called "hellgrammites", are large, worm-like, aquatic predators that live under rocks and logs in streams. They feed on minnows, tadpoles, insects, and other aquatic prey. Hellgrammites require very clean, unpolluted water to live. Most adult dobsonflies and fishflies do not feed at all.
Dobsonfly and fishfly adults are a challenge to find because they are only around for a few weeks each year. Look on rocks and logs near streams in the early summer. Hellgrammites can usually be found under rocks year round in clean, fast-flowing streams. Look out, because they can bite! They are slow-moving, however, and will usually remain still for a photograph if they are not touched.
On my outdoor water spicket today. First I've spotted in years. Short season to see. Comments | Permalink
2022-06-24 - Adair Co., KY - Photo by Marie Freeman
By Marie Freeman
The Eastern Dobsonfly is the most commonly encountered dobsonfly in Kentucky. It is among Kentucky's most distinctive insects and is sought after by collectors and photographers.
Dobsonflies and fishflies live most of their lives in the larval stage, often 2 or 3 years. Larval dobsonflies and fishflies, often called "hellgrammites", are large, worm-like, aquatic predators that live under rocks and logs in streams. They feed on minnows, tadpoles, insects, and other aquatic prey. Hellgrammites require very clean, unpolluted water to live. Most adult dobsonflies and fishflies do not feed at all.
Dobsonfly and fishfly adults are a challenge to find because they are only around for a few weeks each year. Look on rocks and logs near streams in the early summer. Hellgrammites can usually be found under rocks year round in clean, fast-flowing streams. Look out, because they can bite! They are slow-moving, however, and will usually remain still for a photograph if they are not touched.
On my outdoor water spicket today. First I've spotted in years. Short season to see. Comments | Permalink