Mayfly question

[quivira kid]

I went jigging with some buddies with lights after dark last night. At the first spot, the bugs were almost unbearable! However, I got to see some cool mayflies. Some big yellow hexes showed up, and then another kind that I'm not sure what they were... Maybe someone can help? They were the same size as the hexes (inch to inch and a half long body), but were tan/brown/olive. Kind of a tan on the sides, darker on top. I know it's vague, but I figured it was worth asking! Anybody have any ideas?

Zac

[jeffro]

I bet it was a mating party.....Males and female gather and have a liddle party.

[Bluegill222]

and the colors will vary a bit between the two so that might very well be what was going on. Some sort of bug prom night or something maybe? There are two types of hexes I see commonly around here, but one is usually a bit smaller than the other and is paler than it's larger cousin.

[quivira kid]

Male/female would make sense.... duh! Thanks guys. I will try and remember my camera next trip. The fishing was slow, but I had fun watching the bugs.

[ROR-EYE]

I was talking to the retired KDWP Fisheries Bioogist, Ken, (also a fly fisher) at our board meeting last Thursday. I asked him about a few other mays I've seen while out fishing in KS. He said there are hundreds of species in KS, but I would have to agree with Jeffro and BG222. I'll bet there were both sexes out. I've seen bright yellows hexes and darker ones out at the same time and assumed they were M n F. I have snapped some pics of different mays this year, hoping for some answers.

Hexagenia.jpgIMG_2350.jpgSunday May.jpg

[EdD]

<snip>Some sort of bug prom night or something maybe?

Too late in the year. It's probably a freshman mixer for the new school year.


Ed

[quivira kid]

ROR-EYE, those pics are fantastic! Gonna save those if you don't mind.... great reference material.

[Bluegill222]

Here's another one that you might add to the "hex files"

[ROR-EYE]

Go for it Z. Thanks.