Eye-catching male and female pair of the dobsonfly.
Adult dobsonflies are some of the largest non-Lepidopteran insects of temperate zones such as the United States and Canada, with a wingspan of up to 18 cm (7.1 in) in some species. Males cannot use their mandibles to bite because they are too long they are instead used for courtship. Females have short, heavily mandibles which enable them to deliver powerful bites when threatened. Dobsonfly larvae are called hellgrammites and they prey on other aquatic insects, small fish and amphibians. The adults are non-predatory only feeding on tree sap, they also have a very short lifespans in the adult stage just lasting a few days.
Wooden frame measures 8 x 6 inches with hanger in the back.
A rare handmade piece displaying both sexes of the same species of dobsonfly. These insects were found naturally deceased in Texas at different times over several years. I doubt I will ever found two more specimens of this same species again in such good condition naturally deceased. The male is missing the point on one of his mandibles, and the females wings are tattered a bit. Still a very creepy and cool curio display.