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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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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Crickaddict on Aug 27, 2006August 27th, 2006, 5:46 am EDT
I'm in the market for a river rated pontoon, any suggestions?
Taxon on Aug 27, 2006August 27th, 2006, 9:15 am EDT
Crickaddict-
I would certainly want an aluminum frame and pontoons at least 9" long. Other than that, you get pretty much what you pay for. How much were you thinking of spending?
I would certainly want an aluminum frame and pontoons at least 9" long. Other than that, you get pretty much what you pay for. How much were you thinking of spending?
Massflyfish on Sep 12, 2006September 12th, 2006, 2:37 am EDT
I have both a 9 foot Waterskeeter for rivers and a Watermaster. the Watermaster is by far and away the best. After I bought one, 6 other friends also purchased one. You can find them at http://www.kickboat.com
If I can figure out how to post a picture of us using them I will. Went down class 3 rapids on the Madison and Green without any problems. They also pack down to a backpack. Six of us packed them for trips with no additional cost on the airplane.
I have also floated the East Outlet and the West Branch of the Penobscot with them. Truly outstanding.
If I can figure out how to post a picture of us using them I will. Went down class 3 rapids on the Madison and Green without any problems. They also pack down to a backpack. Six of us packed them for trips with no additional cost on the airplane.
I have also floated the East Outlet and the West Branch of the Penobscot with them. Truly outstanding.
Troutnut on Sep 12, 2006September 12th, 2006, 3:09 am EDT
That watermaster does look pretty cool.
I eventually want to get a small fishing kayak, instead of a pontoon, because I know I would want to use it on at least one river where inflatable craft aren't allowed (the Bois Brule in Wisconsin).
I eventually want to get a small fishing kayak, instead of a pontoon, because I know I would want to use it on at least one river where inflatable craft aren't allowed (the Bois Brule in Wisconsin).
Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
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