This picture shows the characteristic gill structure of the Rhithrogena genus more clearly than the mature specimens of Rhithrogena impersonata that I collected back in the Midwest. The "suction cup" gill structure is an adaptation to help the nymphs cling tight to rocks in fast water.
Rhithrogena impersonata (Dark Red Quill) Mayfly Nymph from Mongaup Creek in New York
Troutnut.com is a collection of pictures and information about fly fishing. Fly fishermen, fly tiers, and trout enthusiasts of all stripes can learn more about life beneath the surface of trout streams, as well as how to better imitate aquatic insects with artificial flies to catch trout. There are aquatic insect pictures, underwater pictures, landscape pictures, and a comprehensive reference to the common names of trout stream insects.
