Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica
The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.
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I was not fishing, but happened to be at an unrelated social event on a hill above this tiny creek (which I never even saw) when this stonefly flew by me. I assume it came from there. Some key characteristics are tricky to follow, but process of elimination ultimately led me to Sweltsa borealis. It is reassuringly similar to this specimen posted by Bob Newell years ago. It is also so strikingly similar to this nymph from the same river system that I'm comfortable identifying that nymph from this adult. I was especially pleased with the closeup photo of four mites parasitizing this one.
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Martinlf on Nov 26, 2006November 26th, 2006, 12:46 pm EST
Jason, thanks for giving pictures of bug bellies when you've been able. This is what I want to see when tying, and I'd suggest that you include them whenever you can.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
Troutnut on Nov 27, 2006November 27th, 2006, 6:03 pm EST
Thanks.
That was actually one of the main reasons I started photographing insects and building this website. The color plates in my mayfly books are all well and good, but it's pretty hard to see the belly color. That's understandable from the perspective of a publisher who wants to fill his limited space with attractive, elegant side shots, but it's frustrating for a tier to try and guess what color that shaded half-hidden underbelly really is. The Internet was the perfect answer to that little problem.
That was actually one of the main reasons I started photographing insects and building this website. The color plates in my mayfly books are all well and good, but it's pretty hard to see the belly color. That's understandable from the perspective of a publisher who wants to fill his limited space with attractive, elegant side shots, but it's frustrating for a tier to try and guess what color that shaded half-hidden underbelly really is. The Internet was the perfect answer to that little problem.
Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist