Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica
The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.
Featured on the forum
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.
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.
Quick Reply
Related Discussions
Topic
Replies
Last Reply
6
Nov 4, 2011
by Dinerobyn
by Dinerobyn
16
Mar 2, 2010
by Martinlf
by Martinlf
