Fishfly
What is fishfly?
Key facts
Fishfly is a common name for insects in the family Corydalidae, specifically the subfamily Chauliodinae, but in some regions like Canada and Michigan it can also refer to a mayfly. These aquatic insects are similar to but smaller than dobsonflies and are attracted to lights on warm summer nights.
Context
Fishfly is a term that can refer to different insects depending on the region. In scientific usage, it typically denotes insects in the family Corydalidae, subfamily Chauliodinae, such as the summer fishfly (Chauliodes pectinicornis) [5]. However, in Canada and parts of Michigan, the name is also used for mayflies [2]. Fishflies are aquatic insects with larvae that live in water [4]. They are closely related to dobsonflies but are smaller in size [1]. Adults are often attracted to lights on warm summer nights and are harmless to humans, as they do not bite or eat [5].
Documented claims
Questions and answers
Are fishflies harmless?
Yes, adult fishflies do not eat or bite people [5].
What is the purpose of a fish fly?
Fishflies are aquatic insects; their larvae live in water and are part of the ecosystem [4].
What are fishflies good for?
Fishflies serve as a food source for fish and other aquatic animals, and their presence indicates water quality [4].
How long does a fishfly live?
The lifespan of adult fishflies is not specified in the sources, but they are typically short-lived as adults [5].
Sources
- Home and Garden IPM from Cooperative Extension — extension.umaine.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- Mayflies or Fishflies? — news.umich.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- What does fish-fly mean? — lingolandedu.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- Bug o'the Week – Fishfly – Again — riveredgenaturecenter.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- Fishfly — insectidentification.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)