RE: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: What species is this?

That’s a Anthopotamus distinctus mayfly, also known as a golden drake.  It’s pretty common in the East here.  It used to be called Potamanthus but was changed.

 

We don’t normally see Hexagenia insects this far south.  They’re strong in Michigan and the Adirondacks.  The indicators for it not being a Hex is the lack of a dark edge of the hind wings and the dark forelimbs.

 

The real indicator would be the number of tails.  It’s a male (large eyes).  Count the tails next time.  If it had 3 tails (with the middle being shorter) it’s A. distinctus.

 

This bug also has the distinction of being the first mayfly to be identified in the United States.

 

 

R

 

 

Richard Farino

Urban Angler VA | 108 N. Washington Street  2nd Floor | Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 527-2524 | fax: (703) 527-3313 | richard@urbanangler.com

 

From: tidal-potomac-fly-rodders@googlegroups.com [mailto:tidal-potomac-fly-rodders@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of namfos
Sent: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 8:51 AM
To: tidal-potomac-fly-rodders@googlegroups.com
Subject: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: What species is this?

 

It's likely a Hexagenia - they are mighty damn large. They also taste good with single malt chaser. ;-) 

Your specimen looks to me like it might be a Hexagenia rigida, a/k/a Great Olive-Winged Drake - more info at TroutNut.com (definitely a go-to site for fish bugs), http://bit.ly/16IXrT8

 

Mark

On Tuesday, July 16, 2013 7:14:46 PM UTC-4, TurbineBlade wrote:

This thing was pretty big -- larger than a half dollar. 

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http://www.tpfr.org
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