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Lateral view of a Female Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Dun from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
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.

Dorsal view of a Holocentropus (Polycentropodidae) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
This one seems to tentatively key to Holocentropus, although I can't make out the anal spines in Couplet 7 of the Key to Genera of Polycentropodidae Larvae nor the dark bands in Couplet 4 of the Key to Genera of Polycentropodidae Larvae, making me wonder if I went wrong somewhere in keying it out. I don't see where that could have happened, though. It might also be that it's a very immature larva and doesn't possess all the identifying characteristics in the key yet. If Holocentropus is correct, then Holocentropus flavus and Holocentropus interruptus are the two likely possibilities based on range, but I was not able to find a description of their larvae.
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 Paragnetina media (Perlidae) (Embossed Stonefly) Stonefly Nymph from Cascadilla Creek in New York
GONZO
Site Editor
"Bear Swamp," PA

Posts: 1681
GONZO on Oct 4, 2006October 4th, 2006, 10:01 am EDT
The row of spinules, absence of anal gills, and overall hairiness are all consistent with immature P. media. (The mature nymphs are cleaner, darker, and less hairy.)

I would also suggest altering the Paragnetina page to say that media is very important in both the East and Midwest. (media is probably the most widespread and commonly encountered large member of the Perlidae in the East. Due to its tolerance and adaptability it is often found in streams that have few other stonefly species.) The "accepted" (Stark, et al.) common names are Embossed Stone for media and Beautiful Stone for immarginata.
Troutnut
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Administrator
Bellevue, WA

Posts: 2758
Troutnut on Oct 4, 2006October 4th, 2006, 10:19 am EDT
Thanks. I've made the suggested changes.
Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
Dkak
Posts: 1
Dkak on Jan 19, 2010January 19th, 2010, 4:37 am EST
I'm working with some of these "hairy" Paragnetina from Vermont right now. I've found them difficult to key out because their gills are only somewhat branched, ocelli are difficult to see on many individuals, and the inner fringe of long hairs on the cerci is not present (probably due to immaturity). These pictures helped a bunch!

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