Subject: Lucifer fly?
Location: NE Oklahoma
June 23, 2012 6:06 pm
We found this fly in Northeast Oklahoma this week (6/2012). It is about 3 inches long. We were told it was a Lucifer fly. Is that correct?
Thanks!
Signature: Lindy
Female Dobsonfly, AKA Luciferfly
Hi Lindy,
We have never heard the term Luciferfly, but some common insect names are very local in their usage. This may be a name for the Dobsonfly, the insect photo that you submitted, that is limited to your location in Oklahoma. We do think it is a fitting name for an insect whose larva is known as a Hellgrammite, a name we have never had much luck with determining the origin. Your female Dobsonfly doesn’t have anywhere near the impressive mandibles of the male Dobsonfly.
I like ThisRelated posts:
Location: Oklahoma
Do these insects destroy plants? dobsonfly why would they be in New York State ?
Dobsonflies do not destroy plants and they are in New York because it is part of their natural range.
Moi je suis au Québec et j’ai eu cet insecte sur mon balcon. Je vis au 3e étage et loin des cours d’eau.
I just got took a picture of the Lucifer fly here in Longview Texas it’s pretty wild looking.
I just got dive bombed by a male Dobsonfly here in SouthCentra I Oklahoma. Man these things look quite intimidating!!!