Bite of female Dobsonfly draws blood in Costa Rica

Subject: Flying cockroach
Location: Costa Rica
May 13, 2015 5:15 am
This bit me on finger. Drew a lot of blood
Signature: Jeff

Female Dobsonfly

Dear Jeff,
This is a female Dobsonfly.  We have always stated that though they are harmless, the mandibles of a female Dobsonfly are quite strong and they might draw blood.  Thanks for the confirmation.  Male Dobsonflies have much more specialized mandibles, but they are incapable of biting.  Perhaps the females have developed more defense mechanisms to protect them as they lay eggs.  Larval Dobsonflies, known as Hellgrammites, are also capable of biting.

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Location: Costa Rica