What are characteristics of Megaloptera?

Characteristics: Elongate, dorsally flattened body; large jaws projecting forward; all three thoracic segments with notum sclerotized; first seven abdominal segments with paired lateral filaments, each filament with 4-5 segments; abdomen terminating in long filament edged with setae (10th segment).

How many species of Megaloptera are there?

300
Megaloptera is an order of insects. It contains the alderflies, dobsonflies and fishflies, and there are about 300 known species. The order’s name comes from Ancient Greek, from mega- (μέγα-) “large” + pteryx (πτέρυξ) “wing”, in reference to the large, clumsy wings of these insects.

How do you identify a Megaloptera?

Diagnosis and Classification. Megaloptera can be distinguished from other orders of insects by the following combination of characters: holometaboly, terrestrial adults and eggs, predaceous aquatic larvae, and exarate terrestrial pupae.

How do you identify Alderfly larvae?

Alderfly larvae look a lot like fishflies and hellgrammites but are usually much smaller. Note that like fishflies, they lack gill tufts below the abdomen. There are 7 pairs of pointed appendages along the abdomen. The abdomen is tipped with a single tail filament that points straight back.

Where are Megaloptera found?

Megaloptera larvae live in diverse aquatic habitats including in streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and swamps. They can survive in both still or quickly flowing waters. They are benthic dwelling and can be found burrowed in soft mud or sand, or may take shelter under stones or in crevices.

Do Dobson flies bite?

Adult male dobsonflies have long, curved mandibles, but they are harmless to humans. Females and larvae have smaller, sharper pincers that can pierce human skin. Dobsonflies only bite when handled roughly, and while the bite is painful, the effects of a bite do not last very long.

Where are Alderflies found?

It usually inhabits shore vegetation, especially alder trees. The aquatic larvae, which have biting jaws and seven or eight pairs of filamentous abdominal gills, crawl along the bottoms of ponds and streams and feed on small insects. Pupae are found in soil and moss.

What do Alderflies do?

Alderfly larvae eat smaller invertebrates or organic detritus and are eaten by larger aquatic organisms, such as crayfish and fish. They are also eaten by the larvae of their close relatives, the fishflies, which are larger.

What is the common name for Megaloptera?

alderflies
Megaloptera, commonly known as alderflies or dobsonflies, form a small order of relatively large, but soft and fragile, insects with aquatic larvae.

What is the classification of Megaloptera?

The Megaloptera, which include the alderflies, dobsonflies, fishflies, and hellgrammites, are a small order of neuropterous insects with 328 described species. They are often considered to be the most primitive group of insects with complete metamorphosis.

Are Megaloptera larvae active at night?

Megaloptera are among the largest of the aquatic insect larvae. The adults are rarely seen. This is because they tend to be most active at night, and also have very short lifespans, living in secluded environments. The adult stage usually looks very different from its larval stage.

What does an alderfly look like?

Adult alderflies are usually black, dark brown, or gray. They look a lot like stoneflies but are more closely related to fishflies and dobsonflies. They are generally poor fliers. At rest, the 2 pairs of heavily veined wings are held folded over the back in a rooflike (usually not flat) shape. Antennae are about half the length of the body.

What do alderflies need to survive?

Adult alderflies are usually found amid the vegetation lining the aquatic habitats their larvae require. They sometimes are attracted to lights at night. Alderflies don’t live long as adults: they mate, lay eggs, and expire soon afterward. Different species prefer different types of aquatic habitats.