Order Megaloptera has two families and sixty genera.All alderflies, dobsonflies, and fishflies have aquatic larvae.The adult alderflies are diurnal.The adult dobsonflies and fishflies are nocturnal.They all have large wings and the hind wings are pleated to aid folding.They have compound eyes and chewing mandibles.Megaloptera undergo complete metamorphosis. Males use vibrations or scent glands to attract a mate.The females lay their eggs on rocks or leaves near water.They have predaceous larvae that capture other aquatic insects.They become scavengers when kept in captivity. The larvae take several years to reach maturity.Once they are mature, they create a chamber where they take several days to molt and pupate.The adults have a lifespan ranging from a few hours to a few days.Their primary concern is reproduction and most species do not feed, but will sometimes drink water.Megaloptera have been around since the Permian.
