Lateral view of a Female Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Dun from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

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.

Sunlight perfectly strikes the trees at a bend in the Foss River in the Washington Cascades.

From the Foss River in Washington

Stream photos

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Isoperla (Stripetails and Yellow Stones) Stonefly Adult Isoperla (Stripetails and Yellow Stones) Stonefly Adult

Dorsal view of a Isoperla (Perlodidae) (Stripetails and Yellow Stones) Stonefly Adult from Mystery Creek #308 in Washington

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27" brown trout, my largest ever. It was the sub-dominant fish in its pool. After this, I hooked the bigger one, but I couldn't land it.

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Ecdyonurus spp, with Symbiocladius parasites

Millcreek has attached these 3 pictures to aid in identification. The message is below.

Millcreek
Healdsburg, CA

Posts: 344

Millcreek on Jan 11, 2015January 11th, 2015, 7:07 am EST

These are Ecdyonurus nymphs with Symbiocladius parasitizing them. They were collected from Mill Creek, a tributary of the Russian River. Symbiocladius are a member of Diptera, the true flies. They attach themselves behind the wingpads and grow to maturity there without harming the Ecdyonurus nymph. They parasitize Paraleptophebia and Rhithrogena as well though not in this area.

"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"
-Albert Einstein

Millcreek
Healdsburg, CA

Posts: 344

Millcreek on Jan 11, 2015January 11th, 2015, 7:26 am EST

An added note:
Here is a pdf on Symbiocladius. http://pte.au.poznan.pl/ppe/PPE1-2007/285-291_Gilka_i_in.pdf

"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"
-Albert Einstein

Entoman

Northern CA & ID

Posts: 2604

Entoman on Jan 11, 2015January 11th, 2015, 7:56 am EST

Fascinating, Mark. Are they just attaching themselves for pupation or are they feeding off them?

"It's not that I find fishing so important, it's just that I find all other endeavors of Man equally unimportant... And not nearly as much fun!" Robert Traver, Anatomy of a Fisherman

Crepuscular

Boiling Springs, PA

Posts: 920

Crepuscular on Jan 11, 2015January 11th, 2015, 8:13 am EST

COOL! thanks for posting Mark!

Millcreek
Healdsburg, CA

Posts: 344

Millcreek on Jan 11, 2015January 11th, 2015, 10:06 am EST

Kurt-

They feed off them. They attach themselves and feed off haemolymph (bug blood) and associated tissues.

Eric-

You're welcome.

"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"
-Albert Einstein

Entoman

Northern CA & ID

Posts: 2604

Entoman on Jan 11, 2015January 11th, 2015, 12:36 pm EST

Thanks, only noticed your link after posting my question. Oh, well...:)

"It's not that I find fishing so important, it's just that I find all other endeavors of Man equally unimportant... And not nearly as much fun!" Robert Traver, Anatomy of a Fisherman