Megaloptera (alderflies, dobsonflies, fishflies)

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Like Neuroptera, Megaloptera have chewing mouthparts, long antennae, and two pairs of membranous wings. Both orders have moderate cross-veins forming many rectangular cells, but Megaloptera lack forked veins along the wing margins. Metamorphosis is complete. Dobsonflies are the largest and most common members of this order. (Florida 4-H Bug Club: Megaloptera: Dobsonflies, Alderflies and Fishflies). Also see [Separating the insect Order Megaloptera from other "Neuroptera", P. M. Choate (pdf)]

Publications

Eastern Dobsonfly (Adult), Hellgrammite (Larva) Corydalus cornutus (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Megaloptera: Corydalidae: Corydalinae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.