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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I was not fishing, but happened to be at an unrelated social event on a hill above this tiny creek (which I never even saw) when this stonefly flew by me. I assume it came from there. Some key characteristics are tricky to follow, but process of elimination ultimately led me to Sweltsa borealis. It is reassuringly similar to this specimen posted by Bob Newell years ago. It is also so strikingly similar to this nymph from the same river system that I'm comfortable identifying that nymph from this adult. I was especially pleased with the closeup photo of four mites parasitizing this one.
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Stonefly Genus Perlesta (Golden Stones)
This is a large genus in the Acroneuriinae subfamily that currently contains 24 species. Distribution is primarily southern though a few species make it into the East and Midwest. Perlesta placida is reportedly a common species. Only a single western species of limited importance and distribution is known for the southern Rockies.
Genus Range
Identification
To determine whether a specimen of Perlidae belongs to Perlesta, use the Key to Genera of Perlidae Nymphs.
Specimens of the Stonefly Genus Perlesta
1 Female Adult
This stonefly species was the most common insect over the small stream I fished one August afternoon; I saw dozens in their egg-laying flights.
Discussions of Perlesta
Perlesta placida
14 replies
Posted by Mad4Trout on Jul 3, 2011 in the species Perlesta placida
Last reply on Nov 27, 2011 by Mad4Trout
I don't know why "Stoneflies of the United States" has such a limited range for Perlesta placida, but we (Madmen Chapter of TU) have collected them on the Mad River, Logan Co., OH. They were reported by Gaufin (1956, Ohio J. Sci. 56 (6):321-324) in numerous counties. They have been recorded more recently by Ohio EPA.
Start a Discussion of Perlesta
Stonefly Genus Perlesta (Golden Stones)
Taxonomy
Species in Perlesta
Perlesta adenaAdena Stone
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0
Perlesta baumanniDarkwing Stone
0
0
Perlesta browniToothed Stone
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Perlesta cinctipesPlains Stone
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0
Perlesta decipiensWidespread Stone
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Perlesta lagoiGulf Stone
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Perlesta placidaFreckled Stoneflies
0
0
Perlesta xubePawnee Stone
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0
Species in Perlesta: Perlesta adena, Perlesta baumanni, Perlesta browni, Perlesta cinctipes, Perlesta decipiens, Perlesta lagoi, Perlesta placida, Perlesta xube
10 species (Perlesta bolukta, Perlesta dakota, Perlesta etneri, Perlesta frisoni, Perlesta fusca, Perlesta golconda, Perlesta nelsoni, Perlesta nitida, Perlesta shubuta, and Perlesta teaysia) aren't included.