Corydalus spp. - Dobsonflies

[Ethan Bright 0]

Hi:

 

A number of you have either photographed or collected Corydalus cornutus from various streams. (Two other species - C. luteus and C. texanus - occur in southwestern Texas and the southwestern USA). As you know, the males in particular have impressive mandibles.

 

I often help teach an aquatic entomology course at the University of Michigan, and I was wondering if some of your could collect a number of specimens (males and females) and send them to me. I also would use these to show to children when I visit my son's elementary school. Often adult dobsonflies are attracted to lights near streams and rivers. (Corydalidae adults have ocelli, whereas Sialidae (fishflies) do not, and aren't attracted to lights). To collect, simply put specimens in an paper envelope (of course protected from crushing) and allowed to dry. They can later be rehydrated for pinning and wing spreading. I would reimburse you for materials and shipping.

 

Cheers, Ethan

[Joe Hard 0]

If I find any they will be sent to you, no problem. Glad to help

[Ethan Bright 0]

Correction: Sialidae - Alderflies; Chauloides and Nigronia - Fishflies; Corydalus - Dobsonflies

 

Thanks Roger for the heads up. I almost always focus on scientific names, and I'll often make these common name association mix-ups. (I've given up with dragon- and damselfly common names).

 

Cheers, Ethan