I discovered this large insect at my office the night of July 23, 2005 in Brighton, Michigan. It was attracted to the mercury vapor light above the door. It is 4-1/4 inches long from the tip of its pinchers to the end of its 4 wings when they are folded. The pinchers are more than an inch long. It has green eyes and some beautiful patterns on its wings and head.

 
My insect book says the adult form doesn't eat although I've read they sometimes do in captivity. Apparently the large pinchers are for protection from predators and to battle other male dobsonflies for the affection of females.

When I captured it, it used its huge pinchers to aggressively attack the lid of the container. The next day, before I had time to photograph it, it appeared very weak. It was a hot day so I gave it a gentle bath with the hose and that seemed to revive it.

It was quite cooperative as I photographed it. I placed him on the wall and on a twig. It remained on the twig for several hours until dark. I never got too close to the pinchers, however.

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The above image is from the top showing where the wings connect to the body.


doug@vizzle.com