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Published byCandace Bolt Modified over 10 years ago
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Class Insecta Order: Megaloptera Dobsonflies, Alderflies & Fishflies
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Alderfly, Sialis
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Dobsonflies
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Adults
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