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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.

Dorsal view of a Chloroperlidae (Sallfly) Stonefly Nymph from the Chena River in Alaska
GONZO
Site Editor
"Bear Swamp," PA

Posts: 1681
GONZO on Apr 27, 2011April 27th, 2011, 4:28 pm EDT
Hi Jason,

This is a chloroperlid. Among other traits, the tiny, asymmetrically inserted terminal segment of the maxillary palp is distinctive for this family.

The revamped site is cool. Nice work.

Best,
Lloyd
Troutnut
Troutnut's profile picture
Administrator
Bellevue, WA

Posts: 2758
Troutnut on Apr 28, 2011April 28th, 2011, 10:06 am EDT
Thanks Lloyd! Glad you like the new site look, and good to see you back online!
Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
Shawnny3
Moderator
Pleasant Gap, PA

Posts: 1197
Shawnny3 on Apr 28, 2011April 28th, 2011, 6:57 pm EDT
He lives! Welcome back, Lloyd.

-Shawn
Jewelry-Quality Artistic Salmon Flies, by Shawn Davis
www.davisflydesigns.com

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