Our insect of the week for March 24, 2025 is the summer fishfly. [FYI – if the common name of an insect does not have a space before the word fly, it is not an actual fly, order Diptera. This example is in the order Megaloptera.] This species has a wide distribution in eastern North America. Chauliodes pectinicornis was originally described by Linnaeus in 1763 (yes, before there was a United States of America). It is classified in the insect order Megaloptera, family Corydalidae.

Males have feathery antennae similar to many male moths. Unlike their dobsonfly relatives, males do not have noticeable jaws.

Females lay eggs on vegetation overhanging streams. As soon as the larvae hatch, they drop into the water and prey on other aquatic animals. When they are ready to pupate, they crawl onto the shore and do so in a cavity under a rock or bark.

Although individuals may live several years, most of that time is spent as a larva. Adults rarely live longer than a week.