The term “hellgrammite” refers to the larval form of a megalopteran insect known by the name of Dobsonflies.
| Polla de fuego | |||
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| Nomenclature | |||
| Binomial name | Corydalidae Leach, 1815 | ||
| Common name | Hellgrammite, dobsonfly | ||
| Taxonomy | |||
| Phylum | Arthropoda | ||
| Order | Megaloptera | ||
| Suborder | Neomegaloptera | ||
| Superfamily | Eumegaloptera | ||
| Family | Corydalidae | ||
| Subfamily | *Corydalinae
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| Genus | 36 | ||
| Conservation status | Extant | ||
The Grammite
Description[]
Hellgrammites are amphibious larvae of dobsonflies, they have a large, slightly flattened centipede-like body with 3 pairs of reduced, segmented legs ; multiple pairs of thin, fine gills on either side of their bodies ; roughly quadrate heads armed with strong biting mouthparts. They vary in size reaching up to an a few inches in length and are usually mottled brownish-black with a rigid carapace. The larvae are intolerant to water pollution.
Ecological Role[]
Hellgrammites are voracious predators that live underneath submerged rocks and logs. They will capture and eat any creature smaller than themselves, especially mayfly and stonefly nymphs, small crayfish, and other invertebrates. Hellgrammites are also frequently used as a fishing baits due to their large size and endurance as well as multiple species of freshwater fish relying on them as a source of food. Hellgrammites are often sold as bait at a relatively high price. This may lead to over exploitation of resources. Their intolerance to polluted water makes them valuable indicators for good water quality. Some anglers tend to use lures that mimic the shape of hellgrammites.
Life Cycle[]
After spending one to 14 days inside the cell as a prepupal, the hellgrammite sheds its exoskeleton in order to transition into a pupal stage. The pupal stage requires seven to 14 days after which the adult emerges and digs its way out of the cell. Adult dobsonflies are short-lived (about three days for males and eight to 10 days for females).