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This topic is about the Mayfly Species Maccaffertium vicarium

In the East and Midwest this is one of the most important hatches of the Spring. They are large flies which emerge sporadically, making for long days of good fishing.

This species contains the two classic Eastern hatches formerly known as Stenonema vicarium and Stenonema fuscom, the "March Brown" and "Gray Fox." Entomologists have discovered that these mayflies belong to the same species, but they still display differences in appearance which the trout notice easily. Anglers should be prepared to imitate both types. Read more...

Maccaffertium vicarium (March Brown) Mayfly Nymph Maccaffertium vicarium (March Brown) Mayfly Nymph (5 Pictures)
Female Maccaffertium vicarium (March Brown) Mayfly Spinner Female Maccaffertium vicarium (March Brown) Mayfly Spinner (7 Pictures)
Male Maccaffertium vicarium (March Brown) Mayfly Dun Male Maccaffertium vicarium (March Brown) Mayfly Dun (10 Pictures)

There are 8 more specimens...

The Discussion

Post Reply
JrcaldMarch 12th, 2007, 6:30 am
Posts: 1i know that gray foxs and march browns are classified in the same family but what are the differences ? what is the color differences are both bodies the same color tan ?
TroutnutMarch 12th, 2007, 8:01 am
The Admin
Fairbanks, AK

Posts: 2020		They're not just in the same family -- they're both the same species, Maccaffertium vicarium. But they are still distinct color variations within that species.

In the specimens I've collected, it seems the "Grey Fox" ones are a little smaller and stockier, and with more gray or amber shades than brown.

The hatching periods and behavior are generally supposed to be the same. Just carry patterns for each variation and try to scoop up a live one on the stream to decide which to use.
Jason Neuswanger
The Troutnut
LittleJMarch 12th, 2007, 12:09 pm
Hollidaysburg Pa

Posts: 252		I thought "gray fox" were fuscum?.......did they eliminate that species when they went from stenonoma to maccaffertium? just when I think I'm getting the hang of this bug jargon you guys send me another curveball:)
Jeff
TroutnutMarch 12th, 2007, 2:23 pm
The Admin
Fairbanks, AK

Posts: 2020
I thought "gray fox" were fuscum?.......did they eliminate that species when they went from stenonoma to maccaffertium?


Yeah, they eliminated fuscom. I don't think it was in the same paper that bumped all but one of the Stenonema species over to Maccaffertium, but it was probably around the same time.
Jason Neuswanger
The Troutnut
KonchuMarch 12th, 2007, 5:38 pm
Site Editor
Indiana

Posts: 364		fuscum got knocked off in 1979
most stenonema spp. went to mac. a couple years ago
TroutnutMarch 12th, 2007, 8:36 pm
The Admin
Fairbanks, AK

Posts: 2020		I stand corrected, then. I didn't realize fuscom was ditched before I was born!
Jason Neuswanger
The Troutnut
KonchuMarch 13th, 2007, 4:59 am
Site Editor
Indiana

Posts: 364		now you're making me feel OLD
TroutnutMarch 13th, 2007, 6:10 am
The Admin
Fairbanks, AK

Posts: 2020		Oops! Well, if it helps, I was born just a year later...
Jason Neuswanger
The Troutnut

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