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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This is a striking caddis larva with an interesting color pattern on the head. Here are some characteristics I was able to see under the microscope, but could not easily expose for a picture:
- The prosternal horn is present.
- The mandible is clearly toothed, not formed into a uniform scraper blade.
- The seems to be only 2 major setae on the ventral edge of the hind femur.
- Chloride epithelia seem to be absent from the dorsal side of any abdominal segments.
Based on these characteristics and the ones more easily visible from the pictures, this seems to be Grammotaulius. The key's description of the case is spot-on: "Case cylindrical, made of longitudinally arranged sedge or similar leaves," as is the description of the markings on the head, "Dorsum of head light brownish yellow with numerous discrete, small, dark spots." The spot pattern on the head is a very good match to figure 19.312 of Merritt R.W., Cummins, K.W., and Berg, M.B. (2019). The species ID is based on Grammotaulius betteni being the only species of this genus known in Washington state.
- The prosternal horn is present.
- The mandible is clearly toothed, not formed into a uniform scraper blade.
- The seems to be only 2 major setae on the ventral edge of the hind femur.
- Chloride epithelia seem to be absent from the dorsal side of any abdominal segments.
Based on these characteristics and the ones more easily visible from the pictures, this seems to be Grammotaulius. The key's description of the case is spot-on: "Case cylindrical, made of longitudinally arranged sedge or similar leaves," as is the description of the markings on the head, "Dorsum of head light brownish yellow with numerous discrete, small, dark spots." The spot pattern on the head is a very good match to figure 19.312 of Merritt R.W., Cummins, K.W., and Berg, M.B. (2019). The species ID is based on Grammotaulius betteni being the only species of this genus known in Washington state.
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Oldredbarn on Feb 21, 2012February 21st, 2012, 5:51 am EST
It was supposed to be 41 and rainy today...It's 32 and mother nature has decided to dump a couple inches of snow first...A good day to sit inside and read or nap or maybe tie a few flies...I've already passed my tea allotment for today...Enjoy!
http://davericheyoutdoors.wordpress.com/2011/03/10/
http://davericheyoutdoors.wordpress.com/2011/03/10/
"Even when my best efforts fail it's a satisfying challenge, and that, after all, is the essence of fly fishing." -Chauncy Lively
"Envy not the man who lives beside the river, but the man the river flows through." Joseph T Heywood
"Envy not the man who lives beside the river, but the man the river flows through." Joseph T Heywood
Feathers5
Posts: 287
Posts: 287
Feathers5 on Feb 21, 2012February 21st, 2012, 6:04 am EST
Are you nuts, Spence? That's perfect fishing weather. A couple of weeks ago I had a great Saturday in a snowstorm. You're a hockey player. Lace on the skates and suck it up for the team.
Bruce
Bruce
Oldredbarn on Feb 21, 2012February 21st, 2012, 7:14 am EST
Are you nuts, Spence? That's perfect fishing weather. A couple of weeks ago I had a great Saturday in a snowstorm. You're a hockey player. Lace on the skates and suck it up for the team.
Bruce
:) Bruce...I'm actually pining away here with my ankle chained to the desk in my office (my lovely wife/boss has the key)...There's the rub my friend! I'm a lowly wage-slave...:) The weather has never been a problem for me...Used to be able to get out and ice fish from time-to-time...
Spencer's Fun-Train has somehow been left sitting on an old siding somewhere...He had to go and become "Mr. Big" and own his own business and so-on-and-so-forth...In 1995 I promised my Trout-Bum self that I'd return to Montana every year thereafter...I've been back once in 2004. Here...Where's my harmonica, cause I'm gonna start singing the blues?! :)
Pray for me brother! :)
Spence
"Even when my best efforts fail it's a satisfying challenge, and that, after all, is the essence of fly fishing." -Chauncy Lively
"Envy not the man who lives beside the river, but the man the river flows through." Joseph T Heywood
"Envy not the man who lives beside the river, but the man the river flows through." Joseph T Heywood
Feathers5
Posts: 287
Posts: 287
Feathers5 on Feb 21, 2012February 21st, 2012, 7:27 am EST
I guess being a bachelor has its advantages. I feel for you, Spencer. I will pray to the great Trout Bum God that you find water soon.
Bruce
Bruce
Oldredbarn on Feb 21, 2012February 21st, 2012, 8:08 am EST
I guess being a bachelor has its advantages. I feel for you, Spencer. I will pray to the great Trout Bum God that you find water soon.
Bruce
Bruce...I don't care what Tony might say...:) Your hearts in the right place. Thanks!
Spence
"Even when my best efforts fail it's a satisfying challenge, and that, after all, is the essence of fly fishing." -Chauncy Lively
"Envy not the man who lives beside the river, but the man the river flows through." Joseph T Heywood
"Envy not the man who lives beside the river, but the man the river flows through." Joseph T Heywood
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