Maine
Finding this scary-looking bug in Maine’s rivers is a good thing
Hellgrammites: even their title sounds scary.
However as horrifying as they might seem, they’re among the many extra innocuous insect larvae you might be prone to see in Maine.
Discovered below rocks in rivers or streams, hellgrammites are the larval stage of dobsonflies, which seem equally ferocious.
“It’s a very nasty wanting critter,” mentioned Jim Dill, pest administration specialist with College of Maine Cooperative Extension. “The male is a very unusual wanting critter with two lengthy mandibles out in entrance that may be an inch lengthy [and] within the insect state the physique will be 2 1/2 inches lengthy with inch-long mandibles.”
Seems apart, dobsonfly larvae are most likely finest referred to as among the finest baits for bass fishing in Maine. Moreover, they solely stay in clear, pollution-free river water, making them a fantastic indicator species of the water’s high quality.
Dobsonfly larvae play an vital function in measuring water high quality in Maine, in accordance with Jeanne DiFranco, aquatic biologist and supervisor of the Maine Division of Environmental Safety’s organic monitoring program, due largely to its predatory nature and the way lengthy it stays within the larval stage — as much as three years.
“Being longer lived means they’re within the water for an extended time period,” DiFranco mentioned. “Which means they’ll combine the results of any air pollution sources over that time period.”
That, and the truth that a hellgrammite is consuming different issues that stay in the identical water, would permit any pollution to build up in its personal physique over time.
“If the larva is there for 3 years and nonetheless thriving, that’s a superb factor,” DiFranco mentioned. “The water needs to be of fine high quality over that time period.”
Grownup dobsonflies don’t feed in any respect, in accordance with Dill. However the hellgrammites catch and eat small fish, different insect larvae and just about anything that wanders by that they’ll catch with their sharp mandibles.
“They’re a prime predator within the bug world,” DiFranco mentioned. “They’re constructed for looking.”
Regardless of these vicious-looking pincer attachments, hellgrammites pose little menace to people. They are going to attempt to chunk if they’re harassed and people pincers can pierce the pores and skin, however the bites aren’t dangerous.
“These mandibles are principally for present and, on the males, for tussling with different males for mating,” Dill mentioned. “I’ve dealt with them earlier than and have by no means been bitten, however I’m cautious as a result of even when I get bitten by chance, it might be painful.”
DiFranco mentioned she’s by no means been bitten, however did have one latch on to her finger one time and mentioned it was with spectacular power.
Hellgrammites was generally bought in bait retailers round Maine, however Dill mentioned that stopped when gross sales started depleting the pure populations of the larvae. In the present day, devoted bass fishermen spend time turning over rocks to gather their very own.
“These critters are a part of our ecosystem,” Dill mentioned. “They’re an vital a part of the meals chain and a reasonably good meal for fish and different critters.”