Acanthacorydalis fruhstorferi is a large and impressive dobsonfly species belonging to the Corydalidae family. With a wingspan that can exceed 21 cm, it is one of the largest aquatic insects in the world. Its body is dark brown, with long, veined, semi-transparent wings, and males possess prominent, elongated mandibles, though they are not used for biting. Females have shorter, more functional mandibles. This species is native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in China, Vietnam, and surrounding regions, where it thrives near fast-flowing streams and rivers during its aquatic larval stage.

The genus name "Acanthacorydalis" comes from Greek, meaning "spiny Corydalis," while the species name "fruhstorferi" honours the German entomologist Hans Fruhstorfer, who contributed significantly to insect taxonomy.

A notable curiosity is that despite their fearsome appearance, the males' large mandibles are harmless and mainly used during mating, making Acanthacorydalis fruhstorferi more intimidating than dangerous.

We firmly support the sustainable tropical butterfly collections as long as they take care of the conservation of the rainforest where they fly and the development of responsible conscious trading. This allows us to support local ranching farms with ethically sourced material and help at the same time collectors and enthusiasts to contribute to understanding and treasuring those species.

Please take into consideration that the specimen that you will receive may slightly differ in size, shape or colour from the picture shown as you are purchasing a natural product.

All our items are carefully delivered to prevent damages on transport, papered items are packaged in glassine envelopes specifying capture/breeding data and location available. CITES certificate will be provided in the specimens required.

HOW WE GRADE OUR LISTINGS (SPECIMENS)

As Insect specimens are natural products, some are bred and some others caught in wild, the quality can vary greatly.

The guide below explains the grading used for specimens in our listings.

A1     No visible imperfections, both antennas, no tearing, scratches or missing part of the wings (or as perfect as you could expect from wild caught specimens), with exception of some leg damage.
A1-   Very minor damage, normally restricted to antenna damage or antennae attached separately in the envelope.
A-     These specimens have minor damage, such as antenna damage, or minor flight wear such as small scratches, minor sale damage, some minor fraying/chipping around the edges of the wings.
A2     More significant damage, such as major flight wear, small rips, small pieces missing from the wings, damage to the thorax or abdomen.
B or Second Grade      These specimens have similar damage to A2 specimens, but to a more significant degree. Usually used as parts replacement or art work material