The Eastern Dobsonfly is one of North America's largest insects, with a wingspan reaching 5 inches and males bearing absurdly long, crossed mandibles that look fearsome but are used only in mating competition. Females have shorter, functional mandibles that can deliver a sharp bite. The aquatic larva, the hellgrammite, is prized as fishing bait and is a clean-water indicator species.
Best time to see a Eastern Dobsonfly
The best time to see a Eastern Dobsonfly is June–July, when about 69% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 18,111 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Eastern Dobsonfly? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Eastern Dobsonfly sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted an Eastern Dobsonfly?
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