Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica
The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.
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As far as I can tell, this species has only previously been reported from one site in Oregon along the Columbia gorge. However, the key characteristics are fairly unmistakable in all except for one minor detail:
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
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Caddisfly Genus Parapsyche
This species inhabits such tiny streams that it is not important to anglers.
Where & when
Preferred waters: Extremely small streams
Altitude: High
In 112 records from GBIF, adults of this genus have mostly been collected during July (31%), June (28%), May (19%), and August (11%).
In 72 records from GBIF, this genus has been collected at elevations ranging from 128 to 9219 ft, with an average (median) of 3730 ft.
Genus Range
Start a Discussion of Parapsyche
References
- LaFontaine, Gary. 1981. Caddisflies. The Lyons Press.
Caddisfly Genus Parapsyche
Taxonomy
Species in Parapsyche: Parapsyche apicalis, Parapsyche cardis
5 species (Parapsyche almota, Parapsyche elsis, Parapsyche extensa, Parapsyche spinata, and Parapsyche turbinata) aren't included.