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Fishflies Dobsonflies and Alderflies: Megaloptera

Megalopterans And People

The larvae of some species are important trout food and are used as fish bait. In the Japanese tradition, the dried larvae of some dobsonflies are thought to be a cure for children's emotional problems.

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In spite of their fearsome appearance, male dobsonflies cannot deliver much of a bite. They simply do not have the muscle power necessary to generate enough force to drive the sharp tips of their long jaws into human flesh. However, when carelessly handled, the females are quite capable of using their short, sharp jaws to deliver a very painful bite.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceInsects and SpidersFishflies Dobsonflies and Alderflies: Megaloptera - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Megalopterans And People, Eastern Dobsonfly (corydalus Cornutus): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, CONSERVATION STATUS