A scary-looking bug just showed up in Birmingham but don’t worry, it’s probably already dying
He's pretty big for a bug, but once he grows up, this creature stops eating and biting. Mostly.
Ethan Parker 
If you have been wandering around east Birmingham lately—specifically in areas like Roebuck and Crestwood South—you might have crossed paths with a visitor that looks like it flew straight out of a horror movie. With massive, veiny wings and jaws that seem far too powerful for an insect, this creature is enough to make anyone do a double-take.
Meet the Eastern Dobsonfly
Don't panic just yet. The culprit behind your backyard scare is the Eastern Dobsonfly. While they definitely look intimidating, 205focus.com wants you to know that they are far less dangerous than they appear. According to Sarah Vallie of WebMD, these insects typically boast a wingspan of around 5 inches. They spend the vast majority of their lives underwater as larvae, emerging as adults for only a fleeting few days.
More Bark Than Bite
These insects are among the largest in the country, with some adults reaching up to 3 inches in length and a 5.5-inch wingspan. The males are particularly striking, sporting long, thick mandibles that can account for half their body size. However, these jaws are primarily used for self-defense or securing a mate rather than attacking people. While female dobsonflies have smaller mandibles, Chesapeakebay.net notes that they are capable of biting if handled.
The 'River Monster' Phase
The truly fearsome part of the life cycle happens long before they sprout wings. Known as hellgrammites, these aquatic adolescents can grow up to 3 inches long. Looking somewhat like a cross between a centipede and a nightmare, they feature hardened plates and strong jaws. They are vicious predators in the water, eating nearly anything they can catch. An Instagram user known as Benkedonny highlighted their aggressive nature in this viral video of a hellgrammite attempting to snack on his finger. They are even formidable enough to have a DC Comics supervillain, the hellgrammite, named after them.
The Circle of Life
Despite their monstrous appearance, the dobsonfly has a tough life. Hellgrammites are frequently hunted by fish—often serving as bait for local anglers—and adult dobsonflies are common snacks for birds. Since the adults live for only a matter of days, if you spot one near your home, there is a good chance the creature is already nearing the end of its short journey.
