Story: Insects – overview

‘Toe biter’

‘Toe biter’

Dobsonflies or alderflies (Archichauliodes diversus) are the largest of New Zealand’s stream insects. They spend most of their life as larvae, which are known as ‘toe biters’ because of the nasty nip they can deliver with their powerful jaws.

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Photograph by George Gibbs

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How to cite this page:

George Gibbs, 'Insects – overview - Origin of New Zealand’s insects', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10058/toe-biter (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by George Gibbs, published 24 Sep 2007