1. Class Insecta Order: Megaloptera Dobsonflies, Alderflies & Fishflies

2. 2 families with 46 species in NA Cutaneous respiration; abdominal filaments are gills May require up to 3 yrs as larva, especially dependent on latitude and altitude

3. Megaloptera Complete metamorphosis: egg, pupa and adult are terrestrial; only larva is aquatic Not good bioindicators Two families: –Sialidae (alderflies)-larva is 15-15 mm in length; 1-2 years –Cordulidae (dobsonflies or fishflies)-larva may be 25- 75 mm in length; 2-5 years –Larvae are highly predaceous; actively roam for prey

4. Reproduction & Life History Eggs laid out of water on overhanging objects, rocks, leaves, twigs, etc.; always at night Hatch in 1-2 wks, always at night; drop into water 1-3 yrs as larva, shedding 10-12 times Leave water to pupate; fairly synchronous migration; spurred by strong thunderstorms? Excavate a ‘cell’ for helpless pupal stage of 1-4 weeks Adult males live 3 days; females 8-10 days

5. More Natural History Most fly at night; strongly attracted to lights Do not eat solid food; may nectar Large male jaws have no feeding function; nearly useless for defense; may be used in courtship ritual

6. Alderfly, Sialis

7. Dobsonflies

8. Adults