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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 Setvena wahkeena (Perlodidae) (Wahkeena Springfly) Stonefly Nymph from Mystery Creek #199 in Washington
As far as I can tell, this species has only previously been reported from one site in Oregon along the Columbia gorge. However, the key characteristics are fairly unmistakable in all except for one minor detail:
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
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.

Baetis (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Nymph Pictures

Ruler view of a Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York The smallest ruler marks are 1 mm.
Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York
Dorsal view of a Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York
Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York
Lateral view of a Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Nymph from Mystery Creek #62 in New York

This mayfly 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

Diphetor
5 replies
Posted by Earlfishman on Apr 11, 2007
Last reply on Apr 13, 2007 by Troutnut
Jason,

I really enjoy your site, you've got some great photos and some really good info. I just wanted to let you know that this mayfly looks like it might actually be a Baetis sp., not a Diphetor hageni. Diphetor's antenna would be much closer together at the base and there would definitely be no gill on ab seg. 1. I can't give you a sure ID without photos of the front of the head and the mouth parts.

Keep up the good work.

Earl

Start a Discussion of Nymph

Baetis (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Nymph Pictures

Collection details
Location: Mystery Creek #62, New York
Date: April 1st, 2007
Added to site: April 3rd, 2007
Author: Troutnut
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