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Fishflies, Dobsonflies & Alderflies
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Alderfly adult |
World species: 500 |
| Species in N.A. north of Mexico: 50 | ||
| Source of name: hang around alders | ||
| Nickname: "wigglers" |
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Fishflies, Dobsonflies & Alderflies
|
Alderfly adult |
World species: 500 |
| Species in N.A. north of Mexico: 50 | ||
| Source of name: hang around alders | ||
| Nickname: "wigglers" |
| Fishflies, Dobsonflies and Alderflies are all members of the same aquatic
insect family. Though few in numbers of species, the larval stage of many
localized forms are all aquatic and well-known to fishermen due to their size and active
nature. Adults, too, are attention getters in appearance, but being quite
secretive and short-lived, are not as commonly encountered and hence not high on
the fly fisher's list of necessary imitations. Metamorphosis is complete, requiring anywhere from nearly 1 year to over 3 years to complete. Adults are terrestrial and most species live for just a few days. The most important member of this order to fly fishers is the "helgrammite", or larval form of the dobson fly. A few key members of this family: |
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Alderflies |
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Only one genus occurs in North America, but its 20 or so species are widespread & prolific where found. Larva inhabit both rivers/streams & lakes/ponds. Adults are awkward fliers but good runners, remaining close to the location of larva. | |
| larva = 10-25 mm | adult = <20 mm | ||
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Fishflies |
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5 genera & 18 species. Larval growth lasts a year, with hatching from late May to August. Seldom abundant, but fish are fond of both larva and adult where found. | |
| larva = 25-90 mm | adult = >35 mm | ||
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Dobsonflies
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1 genus & 2 species. Larva known as "hellgrammites", a favored live bait for bass & trout in some regions. Usually found in swiftest part of streams concealed under stones/rocks. Dislike light. With a 2-3 year life cycle, are seen by fish in variety of sizes. | |
| larva = 25 - 90 mm | adult = 1-3" | ||
