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Artistic view of a Male Pteronarcys californica (Pteronarcyidae) (Giant Salmonfly) Stonefly Adult from the Gallatin River in Montana
Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica

The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.

Dorsal view of a Grammotaulius betteni (Limnephilidae) (Northern Caddisfly) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
This is a striking caddis larva with an interesting color pattern on the head. Here are some characteristics I was able to see under the microscope, but could not easily expose for a picture:
- The prosternal horn is present.
- The mandible is clearly toothed, not formed into a uniform scraper blade.
- The seems to be only 2 major setae on the ventral edge of the hind femur.
- Chloride epithelia seem to be absent from the dorsal side of any abdominal segments.
Based on these characteristics and the ones more easily visible from the pictures, this seems to be Grammotaulius. The key's description of the case is spot-on: "Case cylindrical, made of longitudinally arranged sedge or similar leaves," as is the description of the markings on the head, "Dorsum of head light brownish yellow with numerous discrete, small, dark spots." The spot pattern on the head is a very good match to figure 19.312 of Merritt R.W., Cummins, K.W., and Berg, M.B. (2019). The species ID is based on Grammotaulius betteni being the only species of this genus known in Washington state.
27" brown trout, my largest ever. It was the sub-dominant fish in its pool. After this, I hooked the bigger one, but I couldn't land it.
Troutnut is a project started in 2003 by salmonid ecologist Jason "Troutnut" Neuswanger to help anglers and fly tyers unabashedly embrace the entomological side of the sport. Learn more about Troutnut or support the project for an enhanced experience here.

A quick stop at the Ancient Bristlecone Pines

A quick stop at the Ancient Bristlecone Pines

By Troutnut on July 12th, 2021
On our way from the Reno area and the Upper Truckee to fish the Golden Trout Wilderness, we couldn't resist a detour to see the oldest (non-clonal) organisms in the world: the ancient Great Basin Bristlecone Pines and the Methuselah Grove. They did not disappoint.

Photos by Troutnut from Miscellaneous in California

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

From Miscellaneous in California
Miscellaneous in California
Gnarly old bristlecones in Methuselah Grove

From Miscellaneous in California
Some of the ancient trees in this grove are around 5,000 years old. They've aged well. They don't look a day over 4,900 to me.

From Miscellaneous in California
Miscellaneous in California

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