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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 Grammotaulius betteni (Limnephilidae) (Northern Caddisfly) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
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.
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 Dicosmoecus atripes (October Caddisflies)

This species was originally very important on its own, but now another important former species, Dicosmoecus jucundus, is considered a synonym of atripes. This extends its range and amplifies its value.

Where & when

Time of year : September and October

This species known to be important in California, Utah, originally, and in Montana and Alaska with the new synonym.

In 41 records from GBIF, adults of this species have mostly been collected during August (44%), September (32%), October (12%), and July (7%).

In 37 records from GBIF, this species has been collected at elevations ranging from 1982 to 20669 ft, with an average (median) of 8668 ft.

Species Range

Specimens of the Caddisfly Species Dicosmoecus atripes

1 Female Adult

Start a Discussion of Dicosmoecus atripes

References

Caddisfly Species Dicosmoecus atripes (October Caddisflies)

Taxonomy
Species Range
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