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.
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Caddisfly Genus Molanna (Gray Checkered Sedges)
This genus may be abundant in slow midwestern rivers, although it is not widely regarded as important.
Where & when
Time of year : Mid-July to early September
Preferred waters: Lakes and slow rivers
In 267 records from GBIF, adults of this genus have mostly been collected during July (35%), June (34%), August (19%), and May (7%).
In 70 records from GBIF, this genus has been collected at elevations ranging from 3 to 10600 ft, with an average (median) of 1804 ft.
Genus Range
Hatching behavior
Pupae emerge on the surface and may take an unusully long time to struggle free of the film.Egg-Laying behavior
Females dive to the bottom to oviposit.Larva & pupa biology
Diet: Plant matter, plankton, smaller insects
Substrate: Sand or mud
Shelter type: Flat rock pieces with a "hood" that covers the head of the insect. LaFontaine in Caddisflies compares its shape to a cobra head.
Specimens of the Caddisfly Genus Molanna
1 Larva
Start a Discussion of Molanna
References
- LaFontaine, Gary. 1981. Caddisflies. The Lyons Press.
Caddisfly Genus Molanna (Gray Checkered Sedges)
Taxonomy
Species in Molanna: Molanna tryphena, Molanna uniophila
4 species (Molanna blenda, Molanna cinerea, Molanna flavicornis, and Molanna ulmerina) aren't included.