Subject: what’s this insect
Location: western Maryland
May 27, 2015 7:07 am
Wondering if this was another type of Dobson fly. was laying eggs in clumps on leaves beside the river. North branch Potomac river.
Signature: jordan
Hi Jordan,
Your Dark Fishfly in the genus Nigronia is classified in the same order as a Dobsonfly. We believe your individual is Nigronia fasciata based on comparing the markings on the wings to individuals posted to BugGuide. According to BugGuide: “Emergence of adults may be synchronized. Adults are diurnal (seen flying near streams) and also nocturnal, so come to lights. Eggs are laid on the underside of vegetation overhanging a stream. Larvae are aquatic, predatory. Perhaps take three years to mature in more temperate areas, such as West Virginia. Pupation occurs in earthen cells on the edge of streams.”