Header image
Enter a name
Artistic view of a Male Pteronarcys californica (Pteronarcyidae) (Giant Salmonfly) Stonefly Adult from the Gallatin River in Montana
Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica

The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.

Dorsal view of a Ephemerella mucronata (Ephemerellidae) Mayfly Nymph from the Yakima River in Washington
This is an interesting one. Following the keys in Merritt R.W., Cummins, K.W., and Berg, M.B. (2019) and Jacobus et al. (2014), it keys clearly to Ephemerella. Jacobus et al provide a key to species, but some of the characteristics are tricky to interpret without illustrations. If I didn't make any mistakes, this one keys to Ephemerella mucronata, which has not previously been reported any closer to here than Montana and Alberta. The main character seems to fit well: "Abdominal terga with prominent, paired, subparallel, spiculate ridges." Several illustrations or descriptions of this holarctic species from the US and Europe seem to match, including the body length, tarsal claws and denticles, labial palp, and gill shapes. These sources include including Richard Allen's original description of this species in North America under the now-defunct name E. moffatae in Allen RK (1977) and the figures in this description of the species in Italy.
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.
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.

Taenionema atlanticum (Atlantic Willowfly) Stonefly Nymph Pictures

Ventral view of a Taenionema atlanticum (Taeniopterygidae) (Willowfly) Stonefly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York
Dorsal view of a Taenionema atlanticum (Taeniopterygidae) (Willowfly) Stonefly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York
Taenionema atlanticum (Taeniopterygidae) (Willowfly) Stonefly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York
Taenionema atlanticum (Taeniopterygidae) (Willowfly) Stonefly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York
Taenionema atlanticum (Taeniopterygidae) (Willowfly) Stonefly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York
Taenionema atlanticum (Taeniopterygidae) (Willowfly) Stonefly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York
Ruler view of a Taenionema atlanticum (Taeniopterygidae) (Willowfly) Stonefly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York The smallest ruler marks are 1 mm.
Taenionema atlanticum (Taeniopterygidae) (Willowfly) Stonefly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York

This stonefly was collected from Mystery Creek #62 in New York on April 1st, 2007 and added to Troutnut.com by Troutnut on April 3rd, 2007.

Discussions of this Nymph

Podmosta identification...
6 replies
Posted by PeterO on Apr 25, 2007
Last reply on Apr 25, 2007 by Troutnut
This is actually a specimen of the family Taeniopterygidae, probably Taenionema atlanticum. Notice the large sternal plate at the apex of the abdomen. This plate is used in drumming behavior. Adult Taeniopterygids mimic the sounds of male Ruffed Grouse in an attempt to draw in female grouse to parasitize. They attach themselves at the base of the beak and feed until gorged. They then mate, smoke a cigarette, lay some eggs, and die. On a serious note, all Taeniopterygids except species of Taeniopteryx, have the drumming plate. Nemourids are lacking this feature. There is a difference in the second tarsal segment as well. Happy Bugging!

PeterO

Start a Discussion of Nymph

References

Taenionema atlanticum (Atlantic Willowfly) Stonefly Nymph Pictures

Collection details
Location: Mystery Creek #62, New York
Date: April 1st, 2007
Added to site: April 3rd, 2007
Author: Troutnut
Troutnut.com is copyright © 2004-2024 (email Jason). privacy policy