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Artistic view of a Male Pteronarcys californica (Pteronarcyidae) (Giant Salmonfly) Stonefly Adult from the Gallatin River in Montana
Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica

The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.

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 Ptilostomis ocellifera (Giant Rusty Sedges)

This very bundant trout stream species is reported to produce excellent nighttime hatches in the Upper Midwest shortly after the Hexagenia limbata mayflies have finished.

This species is often found together with Ptilostomis semifasciata.

Where & when

Time of year : Summer

Preferred waters: Rivers, lakes, and ponds

In 104 records from GBIF, adults of this species have mostly been collected during June (29%), July (29%), August (22%), and May (15%).

In 47 records from GBIF, this species has been collected at elevations ranging from 10 to 12631 ft, with an average (median) of 965 ft.

Species Range

Larva & pupa biology

Current speed: Still or slow


Start a Discussion of Ptilostomis ocellifera

References

Caddisfly Species Ptilostomis ocellifera (Giant Rusty Sedges)

Taxonomy
Species Range
Common Name
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