Mayfly for ID

Acutipuerilis · #1 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 08:57 PM

Anyone any good this these ones? I don't have any decent references, but haven't seen anything close yet on the internet...

Thanks,
Joe

JRsbugs · #2 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 09:19 PM

Joe, I had a male and female last year which I think are Cloeon cognatum. Yours is a male, it looks darker and doesn't appear to have striped tail streamers (for want of a better word!).

There are pics on Gardensafari which do look closer to yours, it might be a Cloeon sp. is all I can say.

Picture Page about Cloeon cognatum

Janet

Acutipuerilis · #3 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 09:22 PM

Thanks for that, Janet - it gives me a place to start. I think the wing venation is the thing to focus on with these, but it's also true that I know virtually nothing!

JRsbugs · #4 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 09:35 PM

Yes I think the wings can help, but you need to be able to see the venation and that's often not visible in pics you find. Mine shows it quite well.

I found pics on an Italian site, which don't enlarge!

.: Mosca Club Vallesina :.

I google one of the names, found several pages of images but they are not very recognisable.

Items Keyworded: Mayflies

JRsbugs · #5 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 09:45 PM

I think I've found it. Baetis spinner, on the right column.

Insects and invertebrates in Cumbria, Lake District, Spey Casting Tuition, Cumbria Fishing Trips and Fishing Guides

JRsbugs · #6 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 09:48 PM

OK, another which looks better, Baetid (Baetis?) Dun further down on the right.

Insects and invertebrates in Cumbria, Lake District, Spey Casting Tuition, Cumbria Fishing Trips and Fishing Guides

Naturenutz · #7 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 09:50 PM

I also found very little info on the different species .anyone know of a good id guide for mayfly,or are there only a few species ?

JRsbugs · #8 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 09:59 PM

I found a Fly fishing forum, but you might find more pics of fish.

Small Dark Olive Male Dun - Fly Fishing Forums Gallery

Jason Green · #9 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 10:34 PM

Evening Joe,

You may find this site useful: Ephemeroptera Recording Scheme As ever it suggests collecting specimens to back up IDs, and storing them in alcohol. Did you collect it at all?

Janet: Where did you find your C. cognatum? That one looks nice, and finally one that looks pretty distinctive! I've only seen one so far - any tips on finding more?

Joe - send the photo to them at Contact Us - let us know what they come up with!

Take care,

Jason

JRsbugs · #10 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 10:57 PM

Jason, I was looking for the rest you put in your post.

Quote:

Janet: Neither Baetis dun or B. spinner occur in the UK. I agree it looks similar, and may be from this family, but I'd be extremely careful with going to species-level as they often need microscopy. Where did you find your C. cognatum? That one looks nice, and finally one that looks pretty distinctive! I've only seen one so far - any tips on finding more?

It was on a Scottish site, and I was in a hurry to cook a meal, I really couldn't say what common names are used here for which species, but googling afterwards I found a lot of Aussie sites. Whatever, it could be a Baetis sp. I'm sure Joe is able to find that out for himself. I see you changed your mind about what you put! That old microscopy thing.

My male I found hanging upside down on a shrub in my garden, the female was by the outside light at night. I have put the male on before but no-one answered, however it is quite distinctive.