hellgrammite

[hel-gruh-mahyt]

noun

1. the aquatic larva of a dobsonfly, used as bait in fishing.

hellgrammite

/ ˈhɛlɡrəˌmaɪt /

noun

1. Also called: dobson. the larva of the dobsonfly, about 10 cm long with biting mouthparts: used as bait for bass

Word History and Origins

Origin of hellgrammite¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of hellgrammite¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

This group as restricted by modern authors is a small one, including the largest species, as in the Hellgrammite, the Lace-wing Flies, the Ant-lions, and the Mantispas representing the families, Sialidæ and Hemerobiidæ, with their subfamilies.

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They bring us our chow and say it is angleworm and hellgrammite porridge as that is what the Subterro denizens live on mostly.

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The hellgrammite, a black, ugly slug to be found under stones in summer streams, is the most tempting bait you can offer a black bass.

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After a time the hellgrammite comes to the surface and takes to the air as a beetle, but in that state he interests the naturalist rather than the fisherman.

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