Megaloptera

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    Key to Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Utah - Megaloptera

    The Megaloptera Order includes dobson flies, alder flies, and helgramites.  They are identified by the lateral filaments on each abdominal segment. They are found in the southern half of the state. 

    Family

    Corydalidae (dobson flies, fish flies, helgramites)

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    Description: Up to 100 mm in length. Corydalidae have lateral filaments on abdominal segments 1-8 and 2 pairs of lateral hooks on the last abdominal segment.
    They have large aggressive mandibles.

    Habitat: In Utah, confined to larger streams in the Colorado Plateau.  Commonly associated with debris fans and riffles at the mouth of side canyons. 

    Other Images: corydalidae

    Sialidae (alder flies)

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    Description: Up to 25 mm in length. Sialidae have lateral filaments on abdominal segments 1-7.  The last abdominal segment terminates in one single filament.

    Habitat: Commonly found on fine sediments of swamps and large rivers.

    Other Images: sialidae

     

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