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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.

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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Gomphidae Dragonfly Nymph Pictures

Video Clip

Dragonfly Nymph Scooting Around

Dragonfly nymphs propel themselves through the water with a miniature jet engine, taking water in below their mouths and shooting it out their back ends. You can see the ripples from the jet out this one's back in this video.

This dragonfly was collected from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin on January 13th, 2004 and added to Troutnut.com by Troutnut on January 25th, 2006.

Discussions of this Nymph

SIZE?
1 replies
Posted by Waxsmith on Feb 11, 2011
Last reply on Feb 11, 2011 by Taxon
I do know these nymphs are biggies alright, but just what is the average size of them, like their length in "mm"?
SIZE!
Posted by Waxsmith on Feb 11, 2011
Last reply on Feb 11, 2011 by Waxsmith
No answer required to this queery, I found them in Schwiebert's "NYMPHS".
Thanks
i have qustoins
2 replies
Posted by Davisbugg on Mar 24, 2007
Last reply on Mar 26, 2007 by Martinlf
my daughter and i found one of these in the river. she is very cerious can you tellme what they eat or if it will turn into some other bugplease tell me wat we need to do.
thanks,

davisbugg
Dragon Flies
Posted by Bob on Jan 26, 2007
Last reply on Jan 26, 2007 by DMM
I am looking for a picture of an adult dragon
Family ID
Posted by DMM on Nov 26, 2006
Last reply on Nov 26, 2006 by DMM
Gomphid

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References

Gomphidae Dragonfly Nymph Pictures

Collection details
Location: Namekagon River, Wisconsin
Date: January 13th, 2004
Added to site: January 25th, 2006
Author: Troutnut
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