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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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Female Baetis (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun Pictures

I found this female in the same area as a male with similar markings, probably of the same species.

Ruler view of a Female Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #43 in New York The smallest ruler marks are 1 mm.
Dorsal view of a Female Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #43 in New York
Lateral view of a Female Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #43 in New York
Female Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #43 in New York
Ventral view of a Female Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #43 in New York

This mayfly was collected from Mystery Creek #43 in New York on September 19th, 2006 and added to Troutnut.com by Troutnut on October 4th, 2006.

Discussions of this Dun

Blue Wing Yellows
6 replies
Posted by Martinlf on Dec 18, 2008
Last reply on Dec 19, 2008 by Martinlf
Casey, take a look at the underside of this bug.
size/colour
Posted by Forell on Oct 16, 2008
Last reply on Oct 16, 2008 by Forell
absolutely amazing photos , they give me new look at size the hook and colour of this insect
Robert

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Female Baetis (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun Pictures

Collection details
Location: Mystery Creek #43, New York
Date: September 19th, 2006
Added to site: October 4th, 2006
Author: Troutnut
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