Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica
The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.
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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.
- 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.
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Falsifly on Dec 25, 2007December 25th, 2007, 11:58 am EST
I think some of the more scientifically inclined contributors to this site might find this an interesting tidbit. I came across it during a Google search and decided to forward it here. Up to this point I’ve never given it much thought but it does offer a plausible possibility.
But than again you guys may be way ahead of me on this one.
http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/content/abstract/207/5/755
But than again you guys may be way ahead of me on this one.
http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/content/abstract/207/5/755
Falsifly
When asked what I just caught that monster on I showed him. He put on his magnifiers and said, "I can't believe they can see that."
When asked what I just caught that monster on I showed him. He put on his magnifiers and said, "I can't believe they can see that."
Taxon on Dec 25, 2007December 25th, 2007, 1:14 pm EST
Allan-
That's an interesting theory, which I hadn't heard before. My suspicion is that optimal water detection may be but one of several reasons for the increased insect flight at dusk. In any event, Merry Christmas to you, and thanks for sharing.
That's an interesting theory, which I hadn't heard before. My suspicion is that optimal water detection may be but one of several reasons for the increased insect flight at dusk. In any event, Merry Christmas to you, and thanks for sharing.
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Dec 7, 2006
by Troutnut
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