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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.

Dorsal view of a Holocentropus (Polycentropodidae) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
This one seems to tentatively key to Holocentropus, although I can't make out the anal spines in Couplet 7 of the Key to Genera of Polycentropodidae Larvae nor the dark bands in Couplet 4 of the Key to Genera of Polycentropodidae Larvae, making me wonder if I went wrong somewhere in keying it out. I don't see where that could have happened, though. It might also be that it's a very immature larva and doesn't possess all the identifying characteristics in the key yet. If Holocentropus is correct, then Holocentropus flavus and Holocentropus interruptus are the two likely possibilities based on range, but I was not able to find a description of their larvae.
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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Caddisfly Species Hydropsyche cockerelli (Spotted Sedges)

Where & when

Time of year : Late Spring and again in late Summer and early Fall, with the latter being more important

This species may be found across the country but it is only really important in the West.

In 52 records from GBIF, adults of this species have mostly been collected during July (33%), June (33%), August (23%), and May (10%).

In 12 records from GBIF, this species has been collected at elevations ranging from 2238 to 9506 ft, with an average (median) of 5900 ft.

Species Range

Hatching behavior

Time of day : Morning


Start a Discussion of Hydropsyche cockerelli

References

  • LaFontaine, Gary. 1981. Caddisflies. The Lyons Press.

Caddisfly Species Hydropsyche cockerelli (Spotted Sedges)

Taxonomy
Species Range
Common Name
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