Numbers
22 spp. in 7 genera in our area
(1)(2)(3)(4), ~250 spp. in 36 genera total
Size
wingspan up to 210 mm; in our area, BL 25-80 mm;
Corydalis cornutus males can have a 14 cm wingspan and mandibles >4 cm long
(1)Identification
wings folded flat over back at rest
ocelli present
fourth segment of tarsi rounded (flattened in Sialidae)
antennae variable: may be filiform, moniliform, serrate, or pectinate
males of some species have enlarged mandibles
Range
New World, S/SE Asia, Australasia; in our area, genera Chauliodes, Corydalus, Neohermes, Nigronia are eastern; Neohermes & Dysmicohermes in nw. NA, Orohermes & Protochauliodes along the Pacific Coast
Habitat
Larvae are aquatic. Adults are terrestrial, often found near larval habitat, and come to lights
Food
Larvae feed on aquatic insects, tadpoles, and small fish; adults either do not feed, or take small quantities of nectar and fruit juices
(1)Life Cycle
larvae go through 7―8 instars and take 2―5 years to reach maturity