Dobsonfly

insects · aquatic · streams · transformation

Underwater monster hunters. Dobsonfly larvae are predatory aquatic insects that live in fast-flowing streams and eat other small water creatures. They're fierce hunters for their size, using powerful jaws to catch their prey.

Found across continents. Dobsonflies live in the Americas, Asia, and South Africa, wherever there are clean, flowing streams with plenty of oxygen and food for their larvae to thrive.

Amazing life change. Dobsonflies go through a big transformation called metamorphosis, starting as aquatic larvae, then becoming flying adults that live along stream banks. This complete change helps them survive in different environments at different stages of their lives.

Impressive jaws as larvae. Young dobsonflies have large, powerful jaws that make them look fierce and intimidating, which helps them hunt effectively in their underwater world.

Nine different kinds. Scientists have identified nine different genera of dobsonflies, each with their own special adaptations for living in streams around the world.