1. Large soft-bodied insect having long slender mandibles in the male; aquatic larvae often used as bait
   "The male dobson's impressive mandibles are used in mating displays";
   - dobsonfly, dobson fly, Corydalus cornutus
    
2. [N. Amer] Aquatic larval form of the dobsonfly, used as a fish bait
   "Anglers often use dobsons to catch smallmouth bass";
   - hellgrammite, hellgramite

Derived forms: dobsons

Type of: neuropteran, neuropteron, neuropterous insect

Part of: Corydalis, Corydalus, genus Corydalis, genus Corydalus

Encyclopedia: Dobson, New Zealand