This one seems to lead to Couplet 35 of the Key to Genera of Perlodidae Nymphs and the genus Isoperla, but I'm skeptical that's correct based on the general look. I need to get it under the microscope to review several choices in the key, and it'll probably end up a different Perlodidae.
GONZO on Oct 20, 2006October 20th, 2006, 3:27 am EDT
Jason-
Your question about the Little J mystery hatch finally motivated me to put all the pieces together on this. I am now confident enough to recommend that specimens #643 (female dun), #622 (female spinner), and #644 (female spinner) should all be entered under Leucrocuta hebe along with the two male spinners already on the Leucrocuta page.
Thomas Ames' Hatch Guide for New England Streams has a photo of a female spinner on pg. 126 that matches these precisely. Apropos of your photo of this specimen in particular, he makes this interesting observation:
"After molting the yellowish hues of the females get richer, and the markings on their clarified wings get more defined, with a propensity toward rainbow-like refractions[my emphasis]."
With a fairly complete collection of photos, the observations from the Little J gang, and mine from pg. 93, I think you can assemble a nice page on L. hebe. You'll have to start by upgrading its significance as an important hatch. It is also surprisingly widespread in both of our states. I have encountered very few streams in PA or NY that didn't have at least a token population, and most have lengthy, fishable hatches.
Like many other hatches that shine in the late season, this one is also historically late in receiving the recognition it deserves.
GONZO on Nov 10, 2006November 10th, 2006, 3:31 pm EST
Sorry, Louis, but I think the latent BG tendency was already there. And your curse is misdirected. Jason is the true instigator--I'm just a hitchhiker (or "clinger," in mayfly nymph terminology). :)
Martinlf on Nov 12, 2006November 12th, 2006, 5:40 am EST
Don't try to save Gonzo by taking on blame, Jason; he is clearly the main culprit. He had me counting tails on "sulphurs" long before I discovered the addictive pull of your bug site.
So that ancient and crippling Druidic curse that results in the victim thinking incessantly of various salmonids and their dinners falls only on him. . . .
OH, drat, another wasted curse!
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
GONZO on Nov 12, 2006November 12th, 2006, 6:23 am EST
OK....I am Spartacus!....No, I am Spartacus! Curse away, pal! We can't all live forever, and if I have to go, dreaming of salmonids and their dinners is a far better way than most!!! :)
Martinlf on Nov 12, 2006November 12th, 2006, 11:07 am EST
No, I now withdraw the curse, wasted on Gonzo because I realize he long ago fell prey to trout obsession. I shall instead curse politicians who need this curse more than he does. Live on Spartacus!!
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"