dobsonfly

[ dob-suhn-flahy ]

noun

, plural dob·son·flies.

1. a large, soft-bodied insect, Corydalus cornutus, having four distinctly veined membranous wings, biting mouthparts, and, in the male, huge mandibles that jut out from the head.

dobsonfly

/ ˈdɒbsənˌflaɪ /

noun

1. a large North American neuropterous insect, Corydalis cornutus: the male has elongated horn-like mouthparts and the larva (a hellgrammite or dobson) is used as bait by anglers: suborder Megaloptera See also hellgrammite

Word History and Origins

Origin of dobsonfly¹

1900–05; after surname Dobson; fly ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dobsonfly¹

C20: origin uncertain, perhaps after the surname Dobson

Example Sentences

Just as the orb-weaver went in for the kill, the dobsonfly flew off, leaving a large hole in the web.

From New York Times

The illustration of the dobsonfly then is created out of a series of numeral fives, all in different sizes and shadings.

From Seattle Times

Suddenly, a giant dobsonfly crashed into its web.

From New York Times

Several other facts about the dobsonfly also are scattered around the edge of the page.

From Seattle Times