MAYFLY VS. STONEFLY

[jhaquett]

I have a hard time telling the difference between mayfly and stonefly nymphs, I turn over rocks and everything looks like stoneflies, tiny or large!

Any help?

Not only would I like to know the differences between the two but I would also like some advice on how to tell different kinds of stoneflies apart.

Thanks

[Langenbeck]

Try this web site on aquatic insects. It probably has way more than you are looking for: http://www.troutnut.com/hatches

[jhaquett]

I discovered that site a few days ago. I haven't had the time to really sit and read it yet, I've only been able to look at the pictures and they don't help me! Hopefully I'll be able to read it sometime, thanks for the advice.

[Hairstacker]

There is one simple, no exceptions, way to tell the difference: stonefly nymphs have two distinct sets of wing cases on the back of the thorax area, whereas mayfly nymphs only have one set.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Stone fly nymphs have two sets of wing pads and may fly nymphs have one set.

It has nothing to do with size. Caddis, may flies, chironomides and stone flies all come in a large range of sizes.

[jhaquett]

Great, that's an easy enough method. It doesn't seem to matter anyway when it comes to matching the nymphs under rocks to a correct fly pattern, but I was just curious. Thanks.

[dtp916]

Where do you people go to buy shoes at?

Kiene's Fly Shop.

[Ed Wahl]

Ed