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The
Diversity of The World of Life
True
Insects (Insecta)
Alderflies
etc.
(Megaloptera)
Representatives
Alderflies,
Dobsonflies, & Fishflies
Biology
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF KNOWN SPECIES WORLDWIDE
?
DESCRIPTION
Alderflies are typically less than an inch long; fishflies
and, especially, dobsonflies, typically larger.
The antennae are long and threadlike to comblike.
The mouthparts are chewing (those of male dobsonflies often long and
pincer-like). The two pairs of
membranous wings are covered with an intricate network of strong veins.
The hindwings are broader at the base than the forewings, the broad base
folded fanwise under the remainder of the wings, folded roof-like over the
body at rest.
METAMORPHOSIS
The larvae are aquatic, with gills along the abdomen.
The pupae are not in cocoons.
HABITATS
The larvae are found in freshwater, often under stones in
streams; the adults are usually found near water but are sometimes found
some distance away, as around lights at night.
FOODS
The larvae feed on invertebrates and occasionally on small
vertebrates in freshwater.
DAMAGES/BENEFITS
Many
of the larvae, such as "hellgrammites", are important as foods
for fish and are even used as bait, although anglers must beware of their
"hellishly" painful bite.
True
Insects (Insecta)
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