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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.

Ventral view of a Hydropsyche (Hydropsychidae) (Spotted Sedge) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
With a bit of help from the microscope, this specimen keys clearly and unsurprisingly to Hydropsyche.
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.
Troutnut is a project started in 2003 by salmonid ecologist Jason "Troutnut" Neuswanger to help anglers and fly tyers unabashedly embrace the entomological side of the sport. Learn more about Troutnut or support the project for an enhanced experience here.

Caddisfly Genus Frenesia (Dot Wing Winter Sedges)

Where & when

Time of year : Late September through February, peaking in November or December

In 73 records from GBIF, adults of this genus have mostly been collected during October (30%), November (21%), September (14%), August (10%), July (8%), June (7%), and May (5%).

In 4 records from GBIF, this genus has been collected at elevations of 164, 299, 1100, and 3609 ft.

Genus Range

Hatching behavior

Time of day : Late morning or afternoon

Pupae emerge from the shallows on warm days, and are the most important stage of this species. They can be very important because few other insects are around at the same time of year.

Egg-Laying behavior

The egg-laying females are not known to be important.

Larva & pupa biology

Diet: Decaying plant matter

Environmental tolerance: Prefers cold water


Start a Discussion of Frenesia

References

Caddisfly Genus Frenesia (Dot Wing Winter Sedges)

Taxonomy
Species in Frenesia: Frenesia difficilis, Frenesia missa
Genus Range
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