Dobsonflies!

[Stephanie739]

I have never seen these huge bugs until this year. My son was terrified of them. I gather them and feed them to my chickens now. Last night I found 8 or 9 and put them in a coffee can. They were eaten in just a couple minutes this morning. I guess a bug of that size is full of protein!

They cling to outside surfaces like a fence or exterior house wall, especially at night, near a light. Its easy to pick them up by their wings, but they can bite so be careful!

Here is a picture. http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/2007/7-25/Dobsonfly.html

 

[sourland]

Their larvae, helgrammites, are excellent bass bait.

 

[Stephanie739]

Their larvae, helgrammites, are excellent bass bait.

Yes! My friend told me that when he and his friend were kids, they would gather them to sell to local fishermen!