Alderflies, Dobsonflies and Fishflies
(Order: Megaloptera)
Two families represented in Australia, the largest is Corydalidae, which house 26 species, all except one occurring principally in eastern Australia, while Sialidae contains just three species, all found only along Australia’s east coast. All have two pairs of large (up to 100mm), similarly-sized, membranous wings, mandibulate mouthparts and slender legs. Wings typically patterned. Larvae are aquatic and predate on other aquatic invertebrates, seizing prey with clawed legs and consuming them with mandibulate mouthparts. Adults live within the vicinity of water.