John_don04 on Mar 7, 2007March 7th, 2007, 12:56 pm EST
First I would like to say how happy I am that I found this web site ! I am relatively new to the sport & think its a great site!! I was hiking along the Lehigh on 3/4/07 & noticed insects from 1/2" to 1 1/8 inches long crawling on the snow pack.Both were brownish black in color. And unfortunately, I don't have pictures .The smaller size had 2 tails & the latter none.Jason Neuswanger believes,by the info I provided him.That they are Early Brown or Black -Stoneflies.Any additional help would be appreciated!And I need all the help I can get!! One other question. Does anyone have any suggestions on a good Field - Pocket Guide for insect identification for PA ? JWD
GONZO on Mar 17, 2007March 17th, 2007, 1:38 pm EDT
Hi John,
It's nice to hear from someone who hails from my old stomping grounds in NE PA. I agree with Jason that the dark flies on the snow pack were probably early black or brown stonefly species. Aside from midges and the odd winter caddisfly, these "snowflies" are the most commonly encountered winter species. The Lehigh has a wealth of stonefly species that are important throughout the season. Where were you on the Lehigh--the Gorge, or the upper river above the F.E.W.?