Aiton’s Encyclopedia
A Practical Reference Library in Five Volumes — keyed from the public-domain original
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Dobson

the larva of the corydalis, a large insect allied to the ant-lion. The eggs of the corydalis are attached to objects overhanging a stream. As soon as hatched the larvae enter swiftly running water and hide under stones for nearly three years before they pupate and go ashore to become flying insects. The larvae attain a length of two inches, and are an excellent bait, especially for bass. Anglers call them "dobsons," and look for them under stones where the water is swiftest. The adult insect has long feelers and a wing expanse of five inches.

Volume II · Aiton’s Encyclopedia