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.
This one seems to lead to Couplet 35 of the Key to Genera of Perlodidae Nymphs and the genus Isoperla, but I'm skeptical that's correct based on the general look. I need to get it under the microscope to review several choices in the key, and it'll probably end up a different Perlodidae.
Millcreek on Feb 24, 2015February 24th, 2015, 5:48 am EST
These are relatively common in Mill Creek, a tributary of the Russian River.
They're found in pools on the side and top of rocks. They use a net to capture diatoms and algae. The net sits flat on the rock usually over a small declivity.
When ready to pupate, the larva leaves the net and finds a large rock, spins a covering of silk and sand and begins pupation. Pupae are usually found on the top or side of a rock.
"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"
-Albert Einstein
Creno on Feb 24, 2015February 24th, 2015, 8:30 am EST
Nice pics - especially pupal stuff - can you get a close up of the head showing the structure (bump) between the antennae? Does that hang over the front of the head like a ball-cap brim?
Millcreek on Feb 24, 2015February 24th, 2015, 9:45 am EST
Kind of pressed for time right now. Will try to get pics of the head later.
Did take a look under the microscope and it does to appear hang over the front of the head.
"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"
-Albert Einstein