Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > General/curiosity insects > Insects with obvious wings: greater than 1 inch long or wingspan is 2 inches or more > Dobsonfly
Dobsonfly
Corydalus cornutus
John Fogal
Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension
Description: 1 1/2 - 3 inches long. Brown with long smoky wings with tiny white spots; large mandibles (males possess mandibles up to 3/4 inch long).
Where/When: Associated with water; are also attracted to lights and found around buildings; present July and August.
Significance: Males are harmless to people; females are unaggressive to people but could pinch the skin if they are trying to defend themselves.
