A: Thanks for bringing in this insect which was about 2 1/2 inches long. It has long, gray, very membranous wings. What you have is an adult Eastern Dobson fly, Corydalus cornutus. It likes to live near flowing streams which provide the perfect environment for its developing larvae. You were lucky to see the adult as the males only live about three days and females live from 8 – 10 days. The adults possess larges jaws but really do not feed on anything in a natural environment and their sole purpose is to mate. Larvae feed on soft-bodied creatures in the water. No need to fear this large insect at all. I would release it near the stream of water in your neighborhood so it can fulfill its purpose. For more information check out the University of Florida website called “Featured Creatures” – http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/eastern_dobsonfly.htm

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