Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica
The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.
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As far as I can tell, this species has only previously been reported from one site in Oregon along the Columbia gorge. However, the key characteristics are fairly unmistakable in all except for one minor detail:
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
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Hellgrammite Genus Corydalus (Dobsonflies)
Where & when
In 181 records from GBIF, adults of this genus have mostly been collected during June (17%), July (17%), August (16%), May (14%), September (11%), and March (6%).
In 63 records from GBIF, this genus has been collected at elevations ranging from 10 to 8196 ft, with an average (median) of 3133 ft.
Specimens of the Hellgrammite Genus Corydalus
1 Larva
Discussions of Corydalus
Dobson Fly
26 replies
Posted by Jesse on Jun 23, 2011
Last reply on Sep 12, 2013 by PaulRoberts
What can anyone tell me about the Dobson Fly?
(General now guys, we don't have to go all scientific with it ha)!
(General now guys, we don't have to go all scientific with it ha)!
Northern Delaware River - Hellgramite Goldmine
2 replies
Posted by Yemoss on May 29, 2007
Last reply on Jul 22, 2007 by GONZO
Far from a fly-fisherman, I still wanted to identify a menacing- looking insect which invaded our late-night campfire council this past Memorial Day Weekend in Millford, PA on the Delaware River (cr 206 n). We stayed at Kittatiny Canoe Campgrounds, very commercial, but made the best of it. The amount of these bugs crawling around at night, lured by our glowing fire, was incredible. Today I identified them as Hellgramites, and also learned that they are prized by bass and trout. Didn't even think to bring a pole with the short weekend - we went rafting instead. Still wanted to inform fellow fisherman of the abundance and location of this critter. Important to note that our sites bordered the river - one website I read indicated that Hellgramites won't go more than 50 yards inland from their water source; I'm not sure if that's common to most aquatic species but I'd imagine so.
Hellgrammite hell
1 replies
Posted by Sprattoo on Jun 5, 2007
Last reply on Jun 5, 2007 by Wiflyfisher
The First time I saw one of these things was as a kid. We were playing around a woolen mill in old Kezar Falls Maine.
Turning over a damp old pile of wool revealed a number of adult Hellgrammites. At the age of 12 or 13 these were the scariest things I had ever seen.... still very intimidating. I remember trying to get them to bite sticks and my shoe... which they happily did once I started poking them.
Now at the age of thirty *mumble mumble* This insect has come into my life again.
After opening my little tackleshop and selling flies and gear for about a year, it was an embarrassment that I couldn't catch the Browns surfacing all over the place down on the river.
I finally got one by accident, cut open its belly and found... thats right... A dobsonfly nymph.
Although I believe they were really feeding on dragonfly or damselfly nymphs (as they were chasing and feeding near the top)
The story of my trouts belly told a different tale.
Some time at the tying bench, with a few pieces of yarn and marabou and now those old browns are no problem at all!
Turning over a damp old pile of wool revealed a number of adult Hellgrammites. At the age of 12 or 13 these were the scariest things I had ever seen.... still very intimidating. I remember trying to get them to bite sticks and my shoe... which they happily did once I started poking them.
Now at the age of thirty *mumble mumble* This insect has come into my life again.
After opening my little tackleshop and selling flies and gear for about a year, it was an embarrassment that I couldn't catch the Browns surfacing all over the place down on the river.
I finally got one by accident, cut open its belly and found... thats right... A dobsonfly nymph.
Although I believe they were really feeding on dragonfly or damselfly nymphs (as they were chasing and feeding near the top)
The story of my trouts belly told a different tale.
Some time at the tying bench, with a few pieces of yarn and marabou and now those old browns are no problem at all!
Start a Discussion of Corydalus
References
Hellgrammite Genus Corydalus (Dobsonflies)
Taxonomy
3 species (Corydalus cornutus, Corydalus lutea, and Corydalus texana) aren't included.