Classification

Where the Summer Fishfly lies in the tree of life:

              Domain: Eukarya
                         Kingdom: Animalia
                                       Phylum: Arthropoda
                                                    Class: Insecta
                                                                Order: Megaloptera
                                                                            Family: Corydalidae
                                                                                         Genus: Chauliodes
                                                                                                         Species: Chauliodes pectinicornis

Classification Breakdown:

Domain: Eukarya
(Eu- meaning true, -karya meaning nucleus)

The Summer Fishfly is placed into Domain Eukarya because the organism is single or multicellular and contains cells that have membrane-bound organelles. Each nucleus containing chromosomes is also bound by a nuclear envelope. The fishfly would not be a member of Domain Archaea or Domain Bacteria so therefore it is placed in the Domain Eukarya.

Kingdom: Animalia
(Animalia meaning animals)

Organisms, including the Summer Fishfly, that fall under the Animalia Kingdom are characterized by being multicellular and heterotrophic, meaning they rely on other organisms for nutrients. Animalia take the nutrients and form cellular energy by the use of mitochondria versus Plantae which utilize chloroplasts and mitochondria. Most animals are also mobile to a certain extent.

Phylum: Arthropoda
(Arthro- meaning jointed, -poda meaning feet)

The Summer Fishfly belongs to Phylum Arthropoda based on its body structure. Arthropoda are invertebrates who have an exoskeleton and bilateral symmetry. Their main bodies also have paired jointed appendages. Other characteristics include a segmented body, in which contains a body cavity, a true coelom.

Class: Insecta
(Insecta meaning insects)

Those of the Class Insecta have very distinct features that separate them from any other class in Phylum Arthropoda. The Summer Fishfly is made up of three main body parts: a head, thorax, and abdomen. Insects also have three pairs of legs on their thorax accompanied by two pairs of wings. Organisms of this class exhibit sensory organs such as a pair of compound eyes and a pair of antennae located on their head.

Order: Megaloptera
(Megalo- meaning large, -ptera meaning wing)

Inside the Class Insecta is Order Megaloptera. The Summer Fishfly belongs to this order because it exhibits characteristics such bulky lacewings, fan-folded hind wings near their anal area. Almost all Megaloptera live near aquatic environments and nearly all of them have at least one aquatic stage in their life cycle. Megaloptera is further divided into two families; Sialidae (alderflies) and Corydalidae (dobsonflies and fishflies).

Family: Corydalidae

The Summer Fishfly belongs to the Family Corydalidae of the Order Megaloptera. A distinct characteristic of the Family Corydalidae is a large two-hooked tail. Corydalidae larvae also have eight pairs of lateral filaments on their abodomen. This family includes both Dobsonflies and Fishflies.

Genus: Chauliodes
(Chaulio- meaning impressive, -odous meaning tooth)

Chauliodes, or fishflies, in the Family Corydalidae, have a characteristic smooth abdomen and are lightly colored. Their larvae have tooth-like projections on their mandibles. Also, larvae have breathing tubes that can retract, but extend from the top of the abdominal surface.

Species: Chauliodes pectinicornis
(pectinicornis meaning "comb-horned")

The Summer Fishfly, or Chauliodes pectinicornis, can be found in North America and has a seasonal appearance most prevalent in the summer. Its distinct antennae give it it's most characteristic feature. Also, Chauliodes pectinicornis does not have powerful jaws that can be found on its cousin, the Dobsonfly.

Summer Fishfly (Chauliodes pectinicornis)

Classification