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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Lippisch on Oct 1, 2012October 1st, 2012, 7:29 am EDT
Good morning. I currently have a 4wt and would like to acquire to Zenith series rod and was wondering since I already own a 4wt, would there be a big difference vs a 5wt? I am thinking that a 6wt may be a better choice since I already have a 4wt. Agree/Disagree? Thanks in advance for any help.
Kschaefer3 on Oct 1, 2012October 1st, 2012, 11:58 am EDT
What species do you fish for? That will help determine appropriate rod weight.
PaulRoberts on Oct 1, 2012October 1st, 2012, 12:13 pm EDT
GldstrmSam on Oct 1, 2012October 1st, 2012, 12:17 pm EDT
Welcome Aboard Lippisch,
I see that you are in Tennessee so this probably won't be much help because this was for Alaska.
When I asked a friend about this subject he said that an 8wt was the best all round rod because even though it would be over for grayling and small trout it could handle most kings and everything in between.
Sam
I see that you are in Tennessee so this probably won't be much help because this was for Alaska.
When I asked a friend about this subject he said that an 8wt was the best all round rod because even though it would be over for grayling and small trout it could handle most kings and everything in between.
Sam
There is no greater fan of fly fishing than the worm. ~Patrick F. McManus