Hex Mayflies
Hexagenia limbata
The famous nocturnal Hex hatch of the Midwest (and a few other lucky locations) stirs to the surface mythically large brown trout that only touch streamers for the rest of the year.
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Springtails
This common name refers to only one class. Click its scientific name to learn more.
Arthropod Class Collembola
These are pretty much always called Springtails.
Collembola are actually a subclass of a class called Entognatha. They are the most common of the only six-legged arthropods (Hexapods) that aren't insects. Many Collembolans are terrestrial, but some live on the surface of their water, and they can be a supplemental food source for trout, especially young-of-the-year trout.
They rarely grow longer than 6mm or occur in trout streams in such numbers that an imitation with a fly is warranted, but they are interesting creatures.
They rarely grow longer than 6mm or occur in trout streams in such numbers that an imitation with a fly is warranted, but they are interesting creatures.