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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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.
- 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.
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Mayfly Genus Fallceon (Blue-Winged Olives)
Species of the Fallceon genus can be identified by having typical Baetis dark or olivaceous coloration and the hooked process on its hind wings of Anafroptilum (prev. Centroptilum). This genus has only two species of possible interest to anglers:
Fallceon quilleri - a former species of Baetis that has had eight former Baetis species synonymized with it. It has a continental distribution.
Fallceon thermophilos - a former species of Baetis that has had one species from Baetis synonymized with it. It has a Northwest distribution.
Fallceon quilleri - a former species of Baetis that has had eight former Baetis species synonymized with it. It has a continental distribution.
Fallceon thermophilos - a former species of Baetis that has had one species from Baetis synonymized with it. It has a Northwest distribution.
Where & when
In 15 records from GBIF, adults of this genus have been collected during July (20%), September (20%), April (20%), August (13%), June (13%), May (7%), and March (7%).
In 119 records from GBIF, this genus has been collected at elevations ranging from 740 to 11401 ft, with an average (median) of 4938 ft.
Genus Range
Start a Discussion of Fallceon
References
- Merritt R.W., Cummins, K.W., and Berg, M.B. 2019. An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America (Fifth Edition). Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
Mayfly Genus Fallceon (Blue-Winged Olives)
Taxonomy
Species in Fallceon: Fallceon quilleri, Fallceon thermophilos
5 species (Fallceon eatoni, Fallceon fortipalpus, Fallceon longifolius, Fallceon sageae, and Fallceon sonora) aren't included.