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Lateral view of a Male Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #43 in New York
Blue-winged Olives
Baetis

Tiny Baetis mayflies are perhaps the most commonly encountered and imitated by anglers on all American trout streams due to their great abundance, widespread distribution, and trout-friendly emergence habits.

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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Paragnetina media (Embossed Stonefly) Stonefly Nymph Pictures

Paragnetina media (Perlidae) (Embossed Stonefly) Stonefly Nymph from Cascadilla Creek in New York
Dorsal view of a Paragnetina media (Perlidae) (Embossed Stonefly) Stonefly Nymph from Cascadilla Creek in New York
Ventral view of a Paragnetina media (Perlidae) (Embossed Stonefly) Stonefly Nymph from Cascadilla Creek in New York

This stonefly was collected from Cascadilla Creek in New York on March 13th, 2005 and added to Troutnut.com by Troutnut on April 5th, 2006.

Discussions of this Nymph

Probably an immature Paragnetina media
2 replies
Posted by GONZO on Oct 4, 2006
Last reply on Jan 19, 2010 by Dkak
The row of spinules, absence of anal gills, and overall hairiness are all consistent with immature P. media. (The mature nymphs are cleaner, darker, and less hairy.)

I would also suggest altering the Paragnetina page to say that media is very important in both the East and Midwest. (media is probably the most widespread and commonly encountered large member of the Perlidae in the East. Due to its tolerance and adaptability it is often found in streams that have few other stonefly species.) The "accepted" (Stark, et al.) common names are Embossed Stone for media and Beautiful Stone for immarginata.

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References

Paragnetina media (Embossed Stonefly) Stonefly Nymph Pictures

Collection details
Location: Cascadilla Creek, New York
Date: March 13th, 2005
Added to site: April 5th, 2006
Author: Troutnut
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