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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Some characteristics from the microscope images for the tentative species id: The postero-lateral projections are found only on segment 9, not segment 8. Based on the key in Jacobus et al. (2014), it appears to key to Neoleptophlebia adoptiva or Neoleptophlebia heteronea, same as this specimen with pretty different abdominal markings. However, distinguishing between those calls for comparing the lengths of the second and third segment of the labial palp, and this one (like the other one) only seems to have two segments. So I'm stuck on them both. It's likely that the fact that they're immature nymphs stymies identification in some important way.
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Adirman on Jun 19, 2011June 19th, 2011, 11:27 am EDT
When I was fishing today, I saw ALOT of butterflies and for that matter, moths around the stream. Do trout feed on them? I'm sure they would if they could but I'm wondering if they ever really get closer enough to get taken?
Taxon on Jun 19, 2011June 19th, 2011, 4:01 pm EDT
Adirman-
Not so with butterflies, but there are at least (7) families of moths which have aquatic (or semi-aquatic) members. See Aquatic & Semi-aquatic Moth Taxonomic Structure. So, yes, trout are very familiar with them.
Not so with butterflies, but there are at least (7) families of moths which have aquatic (or semi-aquatic) members. See Aquatic & Semi-aquatic Moth Taxonomic Structure. So, yes, trout are very familiar with them.
Softhackle on Jun 19, 2011June 19th, 2011, 6:46 pm EDT
Adirman,
Ever heard of a White Miller wet fly? It was supposedly a good imitation of a white Miller moth and was especially effective when used in the evening. Today, there are various flies called White Miller representing various insects. This pattern, however dates back many, many years.
Mark
Ever heard of a White Miller wet fly? It was supposedly a good imitation of a white Miller moth and was especially effective when used in the evening. Today, there are various flies called White Miller representing various insects. This pattern, however dates back many, many years.
Mark
"I have the highest respect for the skilled wet-fly fisherman, as he has mastered an art of very great difficulty." Edward R. Hewitt
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
Adirman on Jun 20, 2011June 20th, 2011, 2:12 am EDT
White Miller? No, I have not. I assume it was a dry? Any idea on size and how its tied?
Softhackle on Jun 20, 2011June 20th, 2011, 2:32 am EDT
Adirman,
It was originally a wet fly, but their are dries of the same name. These are probably more white mayfly imitations. The wet fly was for imitating the moth. It dates back a long way.
Mark
It was originally a wet fly, but their are dries of the same name. These are probably more white mayfly imitations. The wet fly was for imitating the moth. It dates back a long way.
Mark
"I have the highest respect for the skilled wet-fly fisherman, as he has mastered an art of very great difficulty." Edward R. Hewitt
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
Entoman on Jun 20, 2011June 20th, 2011, 8:28 am EDT
Adirman - Aquatic moths and their relationship to trout is an area that needs to be further studied. In many streams their numbers rival the better known macroinvertebrates. Angler entomologies only give them passing mention, if at all.
BTW, the common name "White Miller" is also applied to the lentic loving and nocturnal Nectopsyche, a genus of the caddis family Leptoceridae. This genera's very pale species are fairly widespread and can hatch in incredible numbers. Early morning on many lakes can be primetime if trout are found working the leftovers.
Regards,
Kurt
BTW, the common name "White Miller" is also applied to the lentic loving and nocturnal Nectopsyche, a genus of the caddis family Leptoceridae. This genera's very pale species are fairly widespread and can hatch in incredible numbers. Early morning on many lakes can be primetime if trout are found working the leftovers.
Regards,
Kurt
"It's not that I find fishing so important, it's just that I find all other endeavors of Man equally unimportant... And not nearly as much fun!" Robert Traver, Anatomy of a Fisherman
JOHNW on Jun 24, 2011June 24th, 2011, 12:22 pm EDT
Ok a slight side track here:
What exactly is the difference between a moth and a butterfly? I know it's probably a laugher of a question but my 4 year old asked me and I had no good answer for him.
JW
What exactly is the difference between a moth and a butterfly? I know it's probably a laugher of a question but my 4 year old asked me and I had no good answer for him.
JW
"old habits are hard to kill once you have gray in your beard" -Old Red Barn
Entoman on Jun 24, 2011June 24th, 2011, 1:40 pm EDT
Hi John,
Caterpiller moths weave coccoons of silk and Butterflys encase themselves in little plastic like purses.
Moths look all fuzzy and fold their wings over their back.
Butterflies fold their wings upright and look shinier.
Moths like to crawl all around and really like to gather around outside lights at night. Butterflies like to stand still and like to fly around during the day.
About as deep as you want to get with a 4 yr old, I think.
BTW - great question from a child only four - Boy or Girl?
Hope this helps.
Kurt
Caterpiller moths weave coccoons of silk and Butterflys encase themselves in little plastic like purses.
Moths look all fuzzy and fold their wings over their back.
Butterflies fold their wings upright and look shinier.
Moths like to crawl all around and really like to gather around outside lights at night. Butterflies like to stand still and like to fly around during the day.
About as deep as you want to get with a 4 yr old, I think.
BTW - great question from a child only four - Boy or Girl?
Hope this helps.
Kurt
"It's not that I find fishing so important, it's just that I find all other endeavors of Man equally unimportant... And not nearly as much fun!" Robert Traver, Anatomy of a Fisherman
JOHNW on Jun 25, 2011June 25th, 2011, 2:15 pm EDT
Kurt,
It's a boy and he is exceptionally inquisitive just like his big brother (well Mom and Dad too).
He and I were cruising along mowing the grass and a little yellow butterfly flew by and he said look at the big moth. My response was "no bud that was a butterfly". TO which he came up with the whats the difference question.
I guess that's the great thing about kids you always have to keep up your knowledge to keep pace with them.
JW
It's a boy and he is exceptionally inquisitive just like his big brother (well Mom and Dad too).
He and I were cruising along mowing the grass and a little yellow butterfly flew by and he said look at the big moth. My response was "no bud that was a butterfly". TO which he came up with the whats the difference question.
I guess that's the great thing about kids you always have to keep up your knowledge to keep pace with them.
JW
"old habits are hard to kill once you have gray in your beard" -Old Red Barn
Gutcutter on Jun 26, 2011June 26th, 2011, 5:13 am EDT
Moths look all fuzzy and fold their wings over their back.
Butterflies fold their wings upright and look shinier.
Kurt
I like that!
The Moth = caddis and Butterfly = mayfly analogy with my kids just didn't cut it...
All men who fish may in turn be divided into two parts: those who fish for trout and those who don't. Trout fishermen are a race apart: they are a dedicated crew- indolent, improvident, and quietly mad.
-Robert Traver, Trout Madness
-Robert Traver, Trout Madness
Entoman on Jun 27, 2011June 27th, 2011, 11:21 am EDT
JW -
Just spent the weekend with my first grandchild (boy that sounds weird... I'm not that old!) and the little guy is already studying things.. Sharing the natural world with our progeny is one of the greatest things we can do as parents. Lasting memories for all! Cherish, as it goes by fast...
Tony -
Great analogy. Never thought of it before, but works for me! I can see how it was a bit much for the kids... :)
regards,
Kurt
Just spent the weekend with my first grandchild (boy that sounds weird... I'm not that old!) and the little guy is already studying things.. Sharing the natural world with our progeny is one of the greatest things we can do as parents. Lasting memories for all! Cherish, as it goes by fast...
Tony -
The Moth = caddis and Butterfly = mayfly analogy with my kids just didn't cut it...
Great analogy. Never thought of it before, but works for me! I can see how it was a bit much for the kids... :)
regards,
Kurt
"It's not that I find fishing so important, it's just that I find all other endeavors of Man equally unimportant... And not nearly as much fun!" Robert Traver, Anatomy of a Fisherman
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