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Artistic view of a Male Pteronarcys californica (Pteronarcyidae) (Giant Salmonfly) Stonefly Adult from the Gallatin River in Montana
Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica

The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.

Dorsal view of a Grammotaulius betteni (Limnephilidae) (Northern Caddisfly) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
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.
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.

DOS has attached these 3 pictures to aid in identification. The message is below.
#3
2
1
DOS
Buffalo, NY

Posts: 64
DOS on Mar 15, 2009March 15th, 2009, 11:50 am EDT
I collected these insects from the head waters of a spring creek just south-west of rochester, ny. In this stream i don't believe the mayfly nymphs play a significant role in a trouts diet until they hatch, as they are out numbered 500-1 by scuds on the stream bed and only become distinguishable to trout on their way up to the surface or while in the surface film.

Sorry for the crude macro photos ... I'm still trying to prefect this part of my game...



Andrew Nisbet
DOS
Buffalo, NY

Posts: 64
DOS on Mar 15, 2009March 15th, 2009, 12:13 pm EDT
this is what i have so far...

1 Are #1 & #2 the same species? Family Ephemerellidae ... subvaria?
2 Family Ephemerellidae... subvaria? or Fam. Caenis?
3 Family Baetidae ... but what genera? Pseudocloeon?
Andrew Nisbet
Taxon
Taxon's profile picture
Site Editor
Plano, TX

Posts: 1311
Taxon on Mar 15, 2009March 15th, 2009, 5:37 pm EDT
Andrew,

I believe your photo labeled #3 to be of a Baetis nymph, probably B. tricaudatus, and your photos labeled 2 & 1 to be of Ephemerella nymphs, both probably E. subvaria.
Best regards,
Roger Rohrbeck
www.FlyfishingEntomology.com
DOS
Buffalo, NY

Posts: 64
DOS on Mar 17, 2009March 17th, 2009, 10:17 am EDT
Thank you Roger! I hope to have a macro lens and flash Jason suggest soon so I can start taking high quality photos. Just need to save for a couple more pay checks!!
Andrew Nisbet

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