Western Gordon Quills
Like most common names, "Western Gordon Quill" can refer to more than one taxon. They're previewed below, along with 3 specimens. For more detail click through to the scientific names.
Mayfly Genus Epeorus
These are sometimes called Western Gordon Quills.
There is remarkable variety of form and color within this prolific genus of fast-water mayflies. Different species are found across the country, and several cause good hatches. Fly anglers are likely to encounter the lesser species on occasion, too.
The best Epeorus hatch in the East is Epeorus pleuralis, the famous Quill Gordon, the first abundant large mayfly hatch of the year. Epeorus vitreus comes a little later and is important in both the East and Midwest.
In the West, Epeorus longimanus dominates in fast, high-altitude streams, while Epeorus albertae inhabits slower and lower waters.
The best Epeorus hatch in the East is Epeorus pleuralis, the famous Quill Gordon, the first abundant large mayfly hatch of the year. Epeorus vitreus comes a little later and is important in both the East and Midwest.
In the West, Epeorus longimanus dominates in fast, high-altitude streams, while Epeorus albertae inhabits slower and lower waters.
Epeorus pleuralis (Quill Gordon) Mayfly Nymph
View 4 PicturesThis Epeorus pluralis dun is recently deceased in these photos. I decided not to photograph several lively, less mature nymphs. This one was ready to hatch, as indicated by the black wing pads (Wing pad: A protrusion from the thorax of an insect nymph which holds the developing wings. Black wing pads usually indicate that the nymph is nearly ready to emerge into an adult.). I believe it had not been dead long enough to lose its natural coloration.
View 4 PicturesThis Epeorus pluralis dun is recently deceased in these photos. I decided not to photograph several lively, less mature nymphs. This one was ready to hatch, as indicated by the black wing pads (Wing pad: A protrusion from the thorax of an insect nymph which holds the developing wings. Black wing pads usually indicate that the nymph is nearly ready to emerge into an adult.). I believe it had not been dead long enough to lose its natural coloration.
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Region: Catskills
Collected Apr 19, 2006
Added Apr 22, 2006
Male Epeorus pleuralis (Quill Gordon) Mayfly Dun
View 9 PicturesI kept this specimen after photographing it and it molted into a spinner in perfect condition, which I photographed here.
View 9 PicturesI kept this specimen after photographing it and it molted into a spinner in perfect condition, which I photographed here.Region: Northeast
Collected Apr 30, 2007
Added May 3, 2007
Female Epeorus vitreus (Sulphur) Mayfly Spinner
View 9 Pictures
View 9 PicturesRegion: Northeast
Collected Sep 19, 2006
Added Oct 4, 2006
See 26 more specimens...
Mayfly Species Rhithrogena futilis
These are sometimes called Western Gordon Quills.
This is a large but uncommon species of Rhithrogena.
Mayfly Species Epeorus albertae
These are very rarely called Western Gordon Quills.
This is one of the two most common Western species of Epeorus, and its spinner falls can be important.
Mayfly Species Epeorus longimanus
These are very rarely called Western Gordon Quills.
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