Is this a dytiscus larva? >> dobsonfly/hellgrammites

[applestar]

I saw three of these swimming around in my pond. I was excited thinking they are dragonfly larvae, but the searched images don’t match up.

I’m thinking they might be DYTISCUS diving beetle larvae? They were about 1.5 inches long. What do you think? Anyone know?

Either way, the pond is definitely free of any sign of mosquito larvae.

...incidentally, I noticed the little guy after uploading the photo? What’s that one?

[applestar]

OK — I think I have my answer ... one from my BIL who likes to fish

He replied “hellgrammites”

...Really? Wow. So looked it up and this says hellgrammites are larvae of dobsonflies — 4-5 INCHES LONG??! OMG

— I liked this part —

eastern dobsonfly - Corydalus cornutus (Linnaeus)
https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/mis ... sonfly.htm

Hellgrammites tend to be found in relatively unpolluted water. Therefore, they may have value in bio-monitoring studies (Voshell 2002). Perhaps their greatest value may be their contribution to biodiversity in their habitat as predators.