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What are hellgrammites?

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Lacewing — neuropteran Adult green lacewing (*Chrysopa* species).

Hellgrammites are the carnivorous, aquatic larvae of the dobsonfly (family Corydalidae). These insects are characterized by their elongated bodies, which feature eight pairs of lateral, abdominal filaments and two anal prolegs.12

Because they are found in aquatic environments, hellgrammites are frequently used by anglers as fish bait. While they are often associated with the broader group of neuropteran-related insects, they specifically belong to the order Megaloptera, which is distinguished from true Neuroptera (lacewings) by their biting mandibles rather than the specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts found in lacewing larvae.132