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Lateral view of a Female Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Dun from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
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.

Lateral view of a Female Sweltsa borealis (Chloroperlidae) (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult from Harris Creek in Washington
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.
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.
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Stonefly Genus Capnia (Little Snowflies)

This is one of the most common genera of Capniidae.

Where & when

In 47 records from GBIF, adults of this genus have mostly been collected during April (34%), March (21%), May (15%), February (13%), and June (11%).

In 8 records from GBIF, this genus has been collected at elevations ranging from 220 to 8648 ft, with an average (median) of 5338 ft.

Genus Range

Specimens of the Stonefly Genus Capnia

1 Adult

Start a Discussion of Capnia

References

Stonefly Genus Capnia (Little Snowflies)

Taxonomy
33 species (Capnia californica, Capnia cheama, Capnia coloradensis, Capnia confusa, Capnia elongata, Capnia erecta, Capnia excavata, Capnia fialai, Capnia giulianii, Capnia glabra, Capnia hitchcocki, Capnia jewetti, Capnia lacustra, Capnia licina, Capnia lineata, Capnia mariposa, Capnia melia, Capnia nearctica, Capnia ophiona, Capnia oregona, Capnia petila, Capnia promota, Capnia quadrituberosa, Capnia regilla, Capnia saratoga, Capnia scobina, Capnia sextuberculata, Capnia spinulosa, Capnia uintahi, Capnia valhalla, Capnia vernalis, Capnia willametta, and Capnia zukeli) aren't included.
Genus Range
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