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Summer fishfly

Summer fishfly

Chauliodes pectinicornis

A species of Fishflies, Also known as Fishfly

The summer fishfly (Chauliodes pectinicornis) looks strange, but is not dangerous. Unlike many other insects, its naiads have gills and live in water for 2 or 3 years before emerging in the hottest days of summer. The adult is usually observed by the water in the summer.

General Info About Summer fishfly
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Attributes of Summer fishfly
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
woodland
Adult Food Sources
None (Adults do not feed and rely on energy stored from the younger stage)
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic insects, larvae of other insects, tadpoles, small fish, amphibian eggs
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Summer fishfly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Summer fishfly
Egg Eggs of the summer fishfly are often laid in clusters on vegetation near water. They are small and typically oval-shaped, usually hatching into larvae within a few weeks.
Larva The larva of the summer fishfly possesses a voracious appetite, bearing elongated bodies with strong mandibles for feeding. Coloration is cryptic, facilitating camouflage in its aquatic environment. The larvae undergo multiple molts, growing in size with each stage.
Pupal Transitioning to the pupal stage, the summer fishfly encases itself in a cocoon-like structure, often in the soil or among leaf litter. During this stage, transformative changes occur, preparing for adult life. The pupa remains immobile and is not feeding.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult summer fishfly’s development is marked by prominent wings, expanded compound eyes, and functional reproductive organs. The body color and size are distinct from its earlier stages. The adult's primary focus is on mating and laying eggs.
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Adult Size of Summer fishfly
3 - 5 cm
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Predators of Summer fishfly Larvae
Fish, turtles, water beetles, birds
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Predators of Adult Summer fishfly
Birds, bats, spiders, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Summer fishfly
Summer fishfly uses its pectinate antennae to detect pheromones, aiding in the intricate ritual of locating a mate in the darkness of night.
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Scientific Classification of Summer fishfly
Tips for Finding Summer fishfly
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How Can You Attract Summer fishfly
The use of bait is not typically needed to attract summer fishfly, as they are predatory and attracted to other live insects rather than food baits.
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Habitat Preferences of Summer fishfly Through Different Life Stages
During its larval stage, summer fishfly can be found burrowed in the muddy or sandy bottoms of slow-moving freshwater bodies like streams, ditches, or ponds, where they prey on other small aquatic insects and organisms. The aquatic larvae are well-adapted to camouflaging with the underwater environment. As they progress to the pupal stage, they typically relocate to nearby terrestrial habitats such as under the bark of trees, in leaf litter, or soil close to the water's edge, where they continue their development in a sheltered location. Adults, having undergone metamorphosis, are primarily nocturnal and can often be spotted near the same bodies of water, attracted to artificial lights or resting on nearby vegetation during the night.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Summer fishfly
Evening or night times could be suitable to find adult summer fishfly as they are attracted to lights. Larval stages would be found in or near aquatic environments, and searching during the day may be best.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Summer fishfly
Mild to warm weather is generally the most suitable for finding summer fishfly as they are more active during these conditions. It's best to avoid extreme temperatures and heavy rainfall.
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How and Where Can You Find Summer fishfly at Different Life Stages
Egg Summer fishfly eggs are usually deposited near or on water bodies. To find them, look for clusters of eggs on vegetation, rocks, or other structures close to the water's edge.
Larva Larvae of summer fishfly are aquatic and can be found in streams, rivers, or other bodies of water. Spotting larval summer fishfly can be done by looking under rocks, leaf litter, or detritus in the water or by using a net to sweep through aquatic vegetation.
Pupal As a creature undergoing incomplete metamorphosis, summer fishfly do not have a pupal stage. You will find either larvae, pre-pupae within the substrate, or cocoons near aquatic environments.
Adult Adult summer fishfly are attracted to light, so using light traps at night is an effective way to find them. Also, searching for them around the edges of water bodies or in nearby vegetation during dusk can be fruitful.
Are Summer fishfly harmful?
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