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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JumpNotZero has attached these 2 pictures to aid in identification. The message is below.
JumpNotZero on Apr 5, 2014April 5th, 2014, 8:40 pm EDT
Like Corixa, but not quite...
What be these bugs?
What be these bugs?
Always quit when you're through.
Taxon on Apr 5, 2014April 5th, 2014, 10:36 pm EDT
I believe them to be Backswimmers, a close relative of Waterboatmen. Not Aquatic Beetles, but rather, Waterbugs.
Creno on Apr 6, 2014April 6th, 2014, 9:01 am EDT
They are true bugs (Hemiptera) within the Belostomatidae. Cannot see enough to decide genus. Be a little careful - they can "bite" - pierce ya with a big dull needle :-) Here is a link to a pic of the poker -
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/ABL/images2/belostoma_flumineum_beak.png
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/ABL/images2/belostoma_flumineum_beak.png
Wiflyfisher on Apr 6, 2014April 6th, 2014, 2:11 pm EDT
The first one definitely looks like a Backswimmer (Family Notonectidae).
John S.
https://WiFlyFisher.com
https://WiFlyFisher.com
Taxon on Apr 6, 2014April 6th, 2014, 4:39 pm EDT
Hi Dave-
Yeah, ain't that the truth. Here is a photo I took of one several years ago:
The needle part of the beak is used to inject a toxic tissue-dissolving enzyme into the victim, which is shortly followed by sucking out all of the now dead prey's dissolved tissue. Doesn't sound like a particularly endearing experience. :-)
Be a little careful - they can "bite" - pierce ya with a big dull needle :-)
Yeah, ain't that the truth. Here is a photo I took of one several years ago:
The needle part of the beak is used to inject a toxic tissue-dissolving enzyme into the victim, which is shortly followed by sucking out all of the now dead prey's dissolved tissue. Doesn't sound like a particularly endearing experience. :-)
Creno on Apr 6, 2014April 6th, 2014, 7:22 pm EDT
Roger - I had one hit the heel of my hand. I didn't leave it there long enough to suck! Not that much scientific curiosity....... No parts fell off but took a couple weeks to heal. That ain't no mosquito bite.
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