Our biologists found this dobsonfly larva (just before its adult stage) in Little Barton Creek during biological sampling for the Environmental Integrity Index (EII). Watch its gills pulse as it gathers oxygen from the water. Dobsonflies are sensitive to environmental conditions so their presence is an indicator of good water quality. Learn more about the EII program that monitors the health of Austin’s creeks at https://tinyurl.com/yczcd8w4. | Austin Watershed Protection

Eastern dobsonfly’s first flight

I absolutely love dobsonflies!! This is a male dobsonfly, species Corydalus batesii. Found at @manu.biostation. You can tell he’s a male by his humongous mandibles. I have seen tons of misinformation online about these incredible insects, so I wanted to make it clear that these are not dangerous whatsoever. They are called “hellgrammites” and often feared, but the reality is that other than a small bite, they cannot hurt you. They are not venomous or poisonous. They are actually very important p