Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Chauliodes Latreille, 1796
Explanation of Names
Greek
chaulio 'impressive/outstanding' +
odous 'tooth'
(1)(2); likely refers to tooth-like projections on larval mandibles:
Identification
Brown. Similar to Dobsonfly (Corydalis) but pronotum is shaped differently, male jaws less prominent. Gray Fishflies (Neohermes) are similar but have bead-like (moniliform) antennae, not serrate or pectinate.
How to separate species:
(4)(5)
Pronotum, head, abdominal mid-dorsal markings: C. rastricornis has dark markings on a light background, while C. pectinicornis has the reverse pattern of light yellow markings on a dark background.
Antennae: Both males and females of C. pectinicornis have pectinate (feather-like) antennae. Only males of C. rastricornis have pectinate antennae. Females have serrate (saw-like) antennae. This point was confused in the literature for quite some time.
In lateral view of male abdomen, anal plate is triangular in C. rastricornis, cylindrical in male C. pectinicornis.
Flight date: In much of range,
C. rastricornis flies in spring, e.g., March-May in NC.
C. pectinicornis flies in summer, e.g., May-August in NC
(6); flight dates may overlap deep south (FL)
Habitat
Found near slow-moving water, unlike Dobsonfly (Corydalis) which is found near running streams.
Food
Adults may not feed, though have been reported coming to moth "sugar"
(6)Life Cycle
Larvae aquatic, predatory, or detritivores?
(7)
