Timpanoga hecuba
(Eaton, 1884)
Great Red Quill
Timpanoga hecuba, commonly known as the Great Red Quill, is a of in the . This Nearctic species is significant in fishing, where its and (dun) forms are imitated by artificial flies. The species was originally described as Ephemerella hecuba by Eaton in 1884 and later transferred to the Timpanoga.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Timpanoga hecuba: /tɪmˈpænəɡə ˈhiːkjʊbə/
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Identification
have a reddish body coloration that distinguishes them from the green drake (Drunella grandis) and other commonly encountered in western North streams. The species can be differentiated from the common burrower mayfly (Ephemera simulans) by body color and size.
Images
Distribution
Nearctic region; North America.
Life Cycle
have an aquatic larval stage (), followed by as winged ( or duns) that once more into sexually mature (). The subimago stage is behaviorally significant as these must rest on the water surface to allow their to dry before , making them vulnerable to .
Behavior
exhibit surface-resting after , remaining stationary on the water while their dry. This behavior makes them predictable targets for surface-feeding fish. are short-lived and do not feed.
Ecological Role
Important item for trout and other sport fish during events. The predictable surface-resting of concentrates energy availability for aquatic and riparian .
Human Relevance
Significant target for fishing; artificial flies imitate both and forms. The species is referenced in fly-tying literature as the 'Great Red Quill' pattern.
Similar Taxa
- Ephemera simulansCommon burrower ; T. hecuba differs in body coloration and is distinguished by its reddish hue.
- Drunella grandisGreen drake; T. hecuba differs in color (reddish vs. green) and is smaller.
- Hexagenia limbataHex ; T. hecuba is smaller and has different timing and .