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.
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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.
— 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.
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Freepow on Jun 11, 2008June 11th, 2008, 3:25 pm EDT
I described this little black mayfly to a kind gentleman on the river and he replied..."ah yes, the Darth Vader." I researched that term for mayflies and came up with Serretella Deficiens. Does this look right? The picture is a little blurry because the thing was so small but I think I can get some input based on color alone. Thanks all.
"I fish...because I suspect that men are going along this way for the last time, and I for one don't want to waste the trip..."
GONZO on Jun 11, 2008June 11th, 2008, 5:27 pm EDT
Despite the blurry photo, Jason, I'll second the ID. Serratella deficiens is a fairly distinctive little mayfly, and the timing is right.
Troutnut on Jun 12, 2008June 12th, 2008, 10:31 am EDT
For what it's worth, I'll third it. :)
Neat little hatch, isn't it? I ran into it a couple times on the Namekagon and the fish seemed especially keen on those mayflies, maybe because their dark color makes them easier to see and identify.
Neat little hatch, isn't it? I ran into it a couple times on the Namekagon and the fish seemed especially keen on those mayflies, maybe because their dark color makes them easier to see and identify.
Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
Shawnny3 on Jun 12, 2008June 12th, 2008, 12:14 pm EDT
What the heck, I'll fourth it. My first definitive insect ID - I'm quite pleased with myself.
-Shawn
-Shawn
Jewelry-Quality Artistic Salmon Flies, by Shawn Davis
www.davisflydesigns.com
www.davisflydesigns.com
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