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 seems to be a young larva of Limnephilus. Although not clear in the picture, several ventral abdominal segments have chloride epithelia.
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Caddisfly Species Hydropsyche alternans (Spotted Sedges)
This is probably the most well-known species of Hydropsychidae in the angling literature, but Gary LaFontaine wrote in Caddisflies of his suspicions that alternans was being given credit for the hatches of Hydropsyche morosa and Hydropsyche slossonae as well.
Where & when
Time of year : May through August
In 55 records from GBIF, adults of this species have mostly been collected during July (31%), August (29%), June (29%), and May (7%).
In 15 records from GBIF, this species has been collected at elevations ranging from 7 to 2372 ft, with an average (median) of 605 ft.
Species Range
Larva & pupa biology
Current speed: Fast
Start a Discussion of Hydropsyche alternans
References
- LaFontaine, Gary. 1981. Caddisflies. The Lyons Press.
Caddisfly Species Hydropsyche alternans (Spotted Sedges)
Species Range
Common Name
Resources
- NatureServe
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility
- Described by Walker (1852)