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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 Neoleptophlebia (Leptophlebiidae) Mayfly Nymph from the Yakima River in Washington
Some characteristics from the microscope images for the tentative species id: The postero-lateral projections are found only on segment 9, not segment 8. Based on the key in Jacobus et al. (2014), it appears to key to Neoleptophlebia adoptiva or Neoleptophlebia heteronea, same as this specimen with pretty different abdominal markings. However, distinguishing between those calls for comparing the lengths of the second and third segment of the labial palp, and this one (like the other one) only seems to have two segments. So I'm stuck on them both. It's likely that the fact that they're immature nymphs stymies identification in some important way.
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.

CalebBoyle has attached these 4 pictures to aid in identification. The message is below.
CalebBoyle
Charlotte, NC

Posts: 11
CalebBoyle on Apr 3, 2008April 3rd, 2008, 8:39 am EDT
Am a right?

Taxon
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Site Editor
Plano, TX

Posts: 1311
Taxon on Apr 3, 2008April 3rd, 2008, 9:46 am EDT
Caleb-

Let's just say you were right. Based on the cast nymphal shuck, your specimen appears to be Dannella lita (previously classified as Timpanoga lita) or Dannella simplex (previously classified as Timpanoga simplex).

Were these photos taken in North Carolina? Was the emergence event, which under normal circumstances would be in June or July, perhaps artificially accelerated as a result of the water temperature in your aquarium?
Best regards,
Roger Rohrbeck
www.FlyfishingEntomology.com
CalebBoyle
Charlotte, NC

Posts: 11
CalebBoyle on Apr 5, 2008April 5th, 2008, 2:35 pm EDT
Thanks Roger-- man I can't keep up with all these genus changes...
Troutnut
Troutnut's profile picture
Administrator
Bellevue, WA

Posts: 2758
Troutnut on Apr 5, 2008April 5th, 2008, 4:04 pm EDT
They're all on Roger's site. :) I think.
Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist

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