Can I get a better ID on this?

The Specimen

Ceratopsyche (Spotted Sedges) Caddisfly Adult

View 18 PicturesThese big caddisflies were tempting trout as they wriggled out of their shucks (

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Here's an underwater view of the pupal shucks of several already-emerged Brachycentrus numerosus caddisflies.

Shuck: The shed exoskeleton left over when an insect molts into its next stage or instar. Most often it describes the last nymphal or pupal skin exited during emergence into a winged adult.), while others skated across the water at a medium pace, probably egg-laying.

Region: Catskills

Collected May 15, 2007

Added May 18, 2007

The Discussion

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Troutnut	May 18th, 2007, 8:43 pm
Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1115	I'm really just guessing. I'm too busy too key it out right now but I'd really like to know what it is. This was one of the main species the fish were taking (along with Apple Caddis) on the West Branch of the Delaware the other day.
	Jason Neuswanger The Troutnut
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Taxon	May 18th, 2007, 11:22 pm
Mercer Island, WA Posts: 485	Sure looks like Hydropsyche to me. There are ~13 species in NY, and I don't have access to species keys. However, I suppose H. betteni can be eliminated as a possibility, as your specimen would be too short for that species.
	Roger Rohrbeck www.FlyfishingEntomology.com

GONZO	May 20th, 2007, 3:49 pm
"Bear Swamp," PA Posts: 876	If I'm reading the wing venation correctly in photo #16, this looks like Ceratopsyche.

Creno	December 22nd, 2007, 6:10 pm
Centennial CO Posts: 35	Folks - Ceratopsyche - Symphitopsyche - Hydropsyche - just another problem for the splitters. Right now there seem to be two schools and both are represented in the previous postings. While the photos are some of the best I have seen of the details necessary to make a determination, I cannot quite make out the single final character needed to be sure (the lateral spur on that most intimate of the male parts). But based on what I can see, and the great photo of the goldish spots on the wings I would suggest Hydropsyche (Ceratopsyche) aenigma.