Galleries-Beneficial-dobsonfly.

Beneficial/Neutral Insects

Beetles, Bugs and Insects with Obvious Wings

	Appearance:	Brown body, 3 inches long with a wingspan over 5 inches. It has long thread-like antennae and conspicuous mandibles. Males have long mandibles meauring up to 3/4 inch in length.
	Where/When:	Associated with streams which is where the immature dobsonfly (known as a hellgrammite) is found. Adults are attracted to lights and can be found a distance from water. Active June and July.
	Significance:	Not aggressive towards people. Despite fierce look of the male, it can not bite people and is harmless. The female could pinch with her mandibles if mishandled but it is doubtful she can break the skin.