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.
Stonefly Species Megaleuctra kincaidi (Tiny Winter Blacks)
Where & when
In 2 records from GBIF, adults of this species have been collected during July (50%) and April (50%).
Species Range
Identification
Species ID from GBIFthe Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Source: The Genus Megaleuctra Neave (Plecoptera: Leuctridae) In North America
Diagnosis. Males of Megaleuctra kincaidi can be distinguished from Megaleuctra complicata and Megaleuctra stigmata by the shape of the paired processes on tergum 9. They are narrow and very thin, ending in a pointed tip in Megaleuctra kincaidi (Figs. 42, 48) while in Megaleuctra complicata (Figs. 3, 6, 13) and Megaleuctra stigmata Figs. 54, 55, 61, 67, 69) they are broader basally and terminate in a rounded or slanted tip. In addition, the epiproct is triangular dorsally and bears small pointed processes on each side in Megaleuctra kincaidi (Figs. 36, 38, 40, 46), while it is elongate and broad with large paired backward directed hooks apically in Megaleuctra complicata (Figs. 3, 6 - 9, 13, 15, 17) and in Megaleuctra stigmata it is parallel and even more elongate, bearing ornamented lateral fringes terminally, and sharp, angular, backward directed prongs apically (Figs. 57, 58, 61, 62, 65, 67).
The female of Megaleuctra kincaidi may be provisionally distinguished from Megaleuctra complicata by the presence in the forewing of usually only 2 radial sector branches (typically 3 in Megaleuctra complicata and 5 in Megaleuctra stigmata, however, all three species are variable in this character). Associated males should be examined to confirm identifications.
Physical description
Most physical descriptions on Troutnut are direct or slightly edited quotes from the original scientific sources describing or updating the species, although there may be errors in copying them to this website. Such descriptions aren't always definitive, because species often turn out to be more variable than the original describers observed. In some cases, only a single specimen was described! However, they are useful starting points.
Description from GBIFthe Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Source: The Genus Megaleuctra Neave (Plecoptera: Leuctridae) In North America
Male. Macropterous. Length of forewing 12 - 15 mm; body length 12 - 14 mm. General color brown. Wings hyaline, with dark pigment occupying less than half the costal space beyond the cord. Radial sector of forewing usually with two or three branches. Tergum 9 with a pair of long thin lobes, narrowing to a pointed tip, without basal forked process (Figs. 35, 36, 38, 42, 48); subgenital plate tongue-like, apex narrowly rounded (Fig. 44); ventral lobe at base sternum 9 in lateral view subparallel, apex rounded. Tergum 10 with ventrobasal expansion short, sclerotized, bearing paired narrowly pointed processes (Figs. 36, 40, 51). Epiproct broadly triangular dorsally when expanded, formed into two sclerotized plates lateral of middorsal groove (Figs. 35, 38, 39), when basal, divided into two plates, each ending in pointed apical processes (Figs. 46, 50). Subanal probe directed upward fitting in middorsal groove of epiproct, tip expanded with subapical notch in lateral view, forming two lobes: upper lobe broader at base and narrowing to apex, bearing tube, lower lobe terminating in broad, rounded groove, which surrounds the tube (Figs. 38 - 43, 47 - 49), cerci formed into an elongate single segment (Figs. 36, 42).
Female. Macropterous. Length of forewing 16 - 18 mm; body length 19 - 20 mm. Coloration similar to male. Radial sector of forewing with two branches. Sternum 8 with subgenital plate extending past tip of abdomen 1.5 - 2.0 mm, narrowing gradually to tip, round in cross section (Fig. 37). Sternum 9 a developed ovipositor (Fig. 52); cerci inconspicuous (Fig. 37).
Start a Discussion of Megaleuctra kincaidi
Stonefly Species Megaleuctra kincaidi (Tiny Winter Blacks)
Species Range
Common Names
Resources
- NatureServe
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility
- Described by Frison, T.H. (1942) Descriptions, Records and Systematic Notes Concerning Western North American Stoneflies (Plecoptera). The Pan-Pacific Entomologist 18, 9–16.