Which feature is characteristic of Megaloptera (Dobsonflies)?

Which feature is characteristic of Megaloptera (Dobsonflies)?

• A. They lack ocelli
• B. They have small jaws
• C. They have a larval stage that feeds on detritus exclusively
• D. They possess large jaws

Answer: (D)

In this group, the key feature is the very large jaws seen in the adult males. Dobsonflies are famous for their exaggerated mandibles, which are mainly a display and mating feature rather than something used to feed. The larval stage, called hellgrammites, lives in aquatic habitats and is an active predator of other invertebrates, not detritus. So the defining trait you should associate with Megaloptera (dobsonflies) is the presence of large jaws in the adults, especially males.

In this group, the key feature is the very large jaws seen in the adult males. Dobsonflies are famous for their exaggerated mandibles, which are mainly a display and mating feature rather than something used to feed. The larval stage, called hellgrammites, lives in aquatic habitats and is an active predator of other invertebrates, not detritus. So the defining trait you should associate with Megaloptera (dobsonflies) is the presence of large jaws in the adults, especially males.