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.

Stream photos

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Limnephilus (Summer Flier Sedge) Caddisfly Larva Limnephilus (Summer Flier Sedge) Caddisfly Larva

Case view of a Limnephilus (Limnephilidae) (Summer Flier Sedge) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington

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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 Species Lype diversa (Dark Eastern Woodland Sedges)

Where & when

Time of year : May through July

Preferred waters: Small woodland streams

This species is common in the Midwest and present throughout the East.

In 91 records from GBIF, adults of this species have mostly been collected during June (33%), May (22%), July (20%), and August (12%).

In 59 records from GBIF, this species has been collected at elevations ranging from 39 to 5103 ft, with an average (median) of 1881 ft.

Species Range

source

Map of specific collection sites

Egg-Laying behavior

Time of day: Afternoon or evening

Larva & pupa biology

Gary LaFontaine describes the unusual shelters built by these larvae in Caddisflies:

The larva builds a retreat, or dwelling tube, by raising a simple roof or a groove in a sunken piece of wood. The tube is camouflaged with pieces of detritus and a layer of silk.