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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I was not fishing, but happened to be at an unrelated social event on a hill above this tiny creek (which I never even saw) when this stonefly flew by me. I assume it came from there. Some key characteristics are tricky to follow, but process of elimination ultimately led me to Sweltsa borealis. It is reassuringly similar to this specimen posted by Bob Newell years ago. It is also so strikingly similar to this nymph from the same river system that I'm comfortable identifying that nymph from this adult. I was especially pleased with the closeup photo of four mites parasitizing this one.
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Conradjs on Oct 7, 2010October 7th, 2010, 5:34 am EDT
The other evening while fishing the Savage River in Western MD, I noticed some flying insects that I had never seen before. The were very fast fliers and, despite my best efforts, I could not collect any in my cap for closer observation. They flew approx. 6 inches above the water in groups of 6 to 8 and they flew in what appeared to be a figure-8 type pattern and, like I said, they were very quick. From what I could tell, they were about the size of a large mosquito or crane fly. Anyone have an idea of what this insect might be?
Taxon on Oct 7, 2010October 7th, 2010, 9:27 am EDT
Scott,
If they were dark in color and had longish antennae, my guess would be Black Dancer Caddisflies (Mystacides). Another possibility would be some type of aquatic beetle adults. Those would be the most likely candidates that I have personally seen behaving thusly.
If they were dark in color and had longish antennae, my guess would be Black Dancer Caddisflies (Mystacides). Another possibility would be some type of aquatic beetle adults. Those would be the most likely candidates that I have personally seen behaving thusly.
PaulRoberts on Oct 7, 2010October 7th, 2010, 9:47 am EDT
I'm going to guess a fly -a dipterid, but not a midge. We have them (I've not ID'd them) and they do as described.
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