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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Chris_3g
Posts: 59
Posts: 59
Chris_3g on Mar 9, 2009March 9th, 2009, 3:32 am EDT
Join us for the 17th Annual Ithaca Fishing Day, Saturday March 14th from 9 AM - 4 PM, hosted by the Leon Chandler Chapter of Trout Unlimited! Ithaca Fishing Day serves as the Chapter’s primary fundraiser, but we also use it as an opportunity to inform the community about who we are and what we do. The primary event location is in the Boynton Middle School cafeteria with fly casting lessons being held in the gymnasium or outdoors, weather permitting.
Volunteers will be providing fly casting lessons beginning at 11 AM, and fly tying instructions all day! At 11 AM, a couple of the Chapter members will give an introduction to fly fishing presentation, and at 1:30 PM, DEC Aquatic Biologist, James Everard, will discuss how to ID fish in our region.
You can also try your luck at the many bucket raffles we'll have going throughout the day! Common items up for grabs are fly tying materials, books, and basic tackle. For our big raffles, we have a fly rod / fly reel outfit and a limited edition print.
We also have a number of regional vendors, both for fly tackle and for conventional tackle, to stock your tackle box before the start of the fishing season!
Admission to the event and all of the programs are free, but donations are most appreciated. Please visit our website, Leon Chandler TU, and download “IFD 2009 Poster” for additional information. Thanks a lot and hope to see you there!
Volunteers will be providing fly casting lessons beginning at 11 AM, and fly tying instructions all day! At 11 AM, a couple of the Chapter members will give an introduction to fly fishing presentation, and at 1:30 PM, DEC Aquatic Biologist, James Everard, will discuss how to ID fish in our region.
You can also try your luck at the many bucket raffles we'll have going throughout the day! Common items up for grabs are fly tying materials, books, and basic tackle. For our big raffles, we have a fly rod / fly reel outfit and a limited edition print.
We also have a number of regional vendors, both for fly tackle and for conventional tackle, to stock your tackle box before the start of the fishing season!
Admission to the event and all of the programs are free, but donations are most appreciated. Please visit our website, Leon Chandler TU, and download “IFD 2009 Poster” for additional information. Thanks a lot and hope to see you there!
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