Troutnut Forum

>

Specimen Discussion

> Podmosta identification...

The Specimen

The Discussion

PeterO	April 25th, 2007, 8:34 am
Posts: 8	This is actually a specimen of the family Taeniopterygidae, probably Taenionema atlanticum. Notice the large sternal plate at the apex of the abdomen. This plate is used in drumming behavior. Adult Taeniopterygids mimic the sounds of male Ruffed Grouse in an attempt to draw in female grouse to parasitize. They attach themselves at the base of the beak and feed until gorged. They then mate, smoke a cigarette, lay some eggs, and die. On a serious note, all Taeniopterygids except species of Taeniopteryx, have the drumming plate. Nemourids are lacking this feature. There is a difference in the second tarsal segment as well. Happy Bugging! PeterO
Troutnut	April 25th, 2007, 10:04 am
Administrator Bellevue, WA Posts: 2737	Interesting! I guess I quickly skipped over that family because the specimens I'm used to seeing from that family in Taeniopteryx have a more conspicuous triangular outline formed by their wingpads. How loud and deep is the stonefly's drumming? Can it really be mistaken for a grouse, or is it higher-pitched?
	Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D. Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
Earlfishman	April 25th, 2007, 10:31 am
Posts: 17	Just a hunch, but I think PeterO might be pulling our cerci... On the other hand, a large number of Taenionema atlanticum might be able to overpower a very small grouse... Either way, it would make for an interesting story, particularly if they turned out to be venemous. Earl
PeterO	April 25th, 2007, 10:50 am
Posts: 8	Earl- we all know that venomous stoneflies are just an urban myth.... venomous mayflies on the other hand... mr narcellasp
Troutnut	April 25th, 2007, 11:55 am
Administrator Bellevue, WA Posts: 2737	Well, I didn't buy the whole grouse story. I assume the part about the stonefly drumming in some way is true, though, since plenty of other insects do that. What does it really sound like, or is it not audible to people?
	Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D. Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
PeterO	April 25th, 2007, 12:30 pm
Posts: 8	Jason- it's not audible to the human ear. I have heard some recordings of drumming though. Taeniopterygids are known for it, but I also think some Perlodids and Chloroperlids might as well. Podmosta is a western Nemourid. Prostoia is very common in Tompkins county, especially in smaller, cooler creeks like Sixmile. You can also find Soyedina in the area. It's larger, and has a squarish pronotum with a lateral notch. I've collected it in Salmon Creek at Ludlowville. Those are really the only two Nemourids you're going to encounter with any regularity. peterO
Troutnut	April 25th, 2007, 2:03 pm
Administrator Bellevue, WA Posts: 2737	Neat. Any thoughts on the identity of the other Nemourids I have labeled on this site? When I labeled this one Podmosta I was just keying it through Merrit & Cummins, but it's pretty easy for me to make a wrong turn in those keys.
	Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D. Troutnut and salmonid ecologist

Quick Reply

Related Discussions

Title	Replies	Last Reply
Re: eastern early blacks In Taeniopteryx Stonefly Nymph by Ljnbass	8	Jan 19, 2010 by Softhackle
Re: Cervical gills In Prostoia Stonefly Nymph by Cteas	2	Feb 21, 2012 by Lbrize
Re: Not Capniidae; this is a Nemourid In Prostoia Stonefly Nymph by Acroneuria	2	Apr 26, 2007 by PeterO
Re: The small dark stoneflies of Winter & early Spring - confused? In General Discussion by Entoman	10	Mar 3, 2012 by Entoman
Re: Little waters...a beautiful evening on the Pine (3 more) In the Photography Board by Jmd123	4	Jul 17, 2016 by Steps25
Isoperla marmorata and Taenionema pacificum In the Identify This! Board by Millcreek	0
Re: "The Jailbird" Streamer In the Photography Board by FisherOfMen	12	Mar 8, 2012 by CaseyP
Re: Chloroperlidae In Isoperla Stonefly Adult by Teamrenna	3	Sep 9, 2008 by GONZO
Re: They're Back In the Photography Board by Millcreek	6	Feb 5, 2015 by Millcreek
Re: Simple/Easy patterns that are effective? In Fly Tying by TimCat	8	Apr 26, 2016 by TimCat

Troutnut.com is copyright © 2004-2024 Jason Neuswanger (email Jason). See my FAQ for information about use of my images. privacy policy