Definition of dobsonfly in US English: dobsonfly
noun Plural dobsonflies A large gray North American winged insect related to the alderflies. Its predatory aquatic larva (the hellgrammite) is often used as fishing bait.
Family Corydalidae, order Neuroptera: several genera and species, in particular Corydalus cornutus
Example sentences
‘With the exception of the wetland species, dobsonflies are generally found in well-oxygenated lakes and streams.’ ‘Fishflies and dobsonflies are nocturnal, while alderflies are active during the day.’ ‘Eastern dobsonflies live east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Canada.’ ‘Whereas, the aquatic immature spends several years in a stream, the adult dobsonfly lives only about 7 days.’ ‘The fierce-looking, winged dobsonfly has a life cycle that lasts two to five years.’ Origin Early 20th century: of unknown origin.