Q.
What is a ephemerella subvaria?
A.
Ephemerella subvaria is the Latin binomial
(two-part scientific) name of a mayfly. The first name
is the name of the genus, or generic name; the second
is the species, or specific name. These are analogous
to our designation as Homo sapiens. Eastern and central
North American anglers call this mayfly the Beaverkill,
Bluewinged Hendrickson, Brown Hen Spinner, Hendrickson,
Lady Beaverkill, and Red Quill. Thus, although specific
organisms, in this case a mayfly, can go by many common
names, there is only one scientific name.
~ C. E. (Bert) Cushing, aka Streamdoctor
105 W. Cherokee Dr.
Estes Park, CO 80517
Phone: 970-577-1584
Email: streamdoctor@aol.com
The ‘Stream Doctor’ is a retired professional stream ecologist and
author, now living in the West and spending way too much time
fly-fishing. You are invited to submit questions relating to
anything stream related directly to him for use in this Q & A Feature
at streamdoctor@aol.com.
Originally published March 24th, 2003 on Fly Anglers Online by Robert Younghanz.