Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica
The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.
Featured on the forum
Some characteristics from the microscope images for the tentative species id: The postero-lateral projections are found only on segment 9, not segment 8. Based on the key in Jacobus et al. (2014), it appears to key to Neoleptophlebia adoptiva or Neoleptophlebia heteronea, same as this specimen with pretty different abdominal markings. However, distinguishing between those calls for comparing the lengths of the second and third segment of the labial palp, and this one (like the other one) only seems to have two segments. So I'm stuck on them both. It's likely that the fact that they're immature nymphs stymies identification in some important way.
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.
Troutnut.com User Brett (Brett Billings)
Troutnut.com User Brett (Brett Billings)
Real Name
Brett Billings
Location
Martinsburg, WV
Biography & Thoughts
I am a US Fish & Wildlife Video producer, amateur fly tyer and novice entomologist. Master's project was "An Aquatic Bioassessment of the Cumberland River Tailwater in Southcentral, Kentucky (2004)" through Eastern Kentucky University. Primary advisor was Dr. Guenter Schuster, well-known expert on caddisflies, crayfishes and mussels. I give occasional talks to regional fishing groups and school groups, so I try to stay up on my "bug-ology." Other interests include photography, exploring Appalachian trout streams with my wife, Shelly, and making the occasional fishing rod.
Forum Signature
Brett
Novice entomologist, fly-tyer and photographer
Novice entomologist, fly-tyer and photographer
Send Brett a Private Message
Latest Posts By Brett
Topic
Replies
Last Reply