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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Stonefly Family Peltoperlidae (Roachflies)
These stoneflies, known for their roach-like shape, are not really mentioned in books about angling. They are a major component of the invertebrate fauna in a few streams, which are presumably few and far between. Since their robust shape is so distinct, I speculate that a special nymph pattern would pay off on the rare waters where they are major insects.
Family Range
Specimens of the Stonefly Family Peltoperlidae
1 Adult
1 Male Adult
The adult stoneflies of this family look surprisingly normal given the strange shape of the nymphs. I tried to identify it beyond family level 15 years after collecting it, based on my photos, which are not ideal. It's difficult even to tell the gender for sure because I don't have a good picture of the terminalia, but the body size suggests it's a male, and the species ranges suggest either Peltoperla arcuata or a male Tallaperla maria. One distinctive feature of the original description of this species is that the antennae are paler for a short distance beyond the first two thick, dark segments. That can be seen on this specimen and on a specimen on BugGuide identified as Tallaperla maria.
3 Nymphs
This is the first specimen of the Peltoperlidae stonefly family that I've collected. It's very small and probably an early instar, but I'm not choosy about new bugs.
I'm guessing this is an immature Peltoperla, because it lacks the well-developed setal fringe on the hind femora that would indicate Tallaperla, but it also lacks the dark spots that should indicate a mature Peltoperla nymph.
5 Streamside Pictures of Peltoperlidae Stoneflies:
This rock includes several empty Peltoperlid shucks.
In this picture: Stonefly Family Peltoperlidae (Roachfly).
This Peltoperlid stonefly (roachfly) was crawling around on this rock looking for a comfortable place to emerge.
In this picture: Stonefly Family Peltoperlidae (Roachfly).
This stonefly is doing its best to pretend to be a mayfly.
In this picture: Stonefly Family Peltoperlidae (Roachfly).
This Peltoperlid stonefly (roachfly) was crawling around on this rock looking for a comfortable place to emerge.
In this picture: Stonefly Family Peltoperlidae (Roachfly).
This Peltoperlid stonefly (roachfly) was crawling around on this rock looking for a comfortable place to emerge.
In this picture: Stonefly Family Peltoperlidae (Roachfly).
Start a Discussion of Peltoperlidae
Stonefly Family Peltoperlidae (Roachflies)
Taxonomy
1 genus (Viehoperla) isn't included.