Brown Drake

Family: Ephemeridae

Genus: Ephemera

Life Cycle: incomplete

Three Life Stages: egg, nymph, adult cycle which includes 2 phases: dun and spinner

Emergence: June-August

Burrower Mayfly Group

Nymph

Body Description

Antennae: 2

Head: has long tusks and u-shaped projection from the head

Eyes: large

Legs: 6 strong

Tails: 3

Gills are used to circulate air into their shelter

Mobility: quick diggers and good swimmers

Body Colors: pale yellow-brown

Size: 12-20mm

Hook Size: 10-12, 3X long

Nymphs are found in eddies, backwaters and moderate currents that have fine silt, sand and gravel bottoms.

Dun

Body Description

Antennae: 2

Eyes: large

Legs: 6

Tails: 3

Wings: 2 sets, mottled grey, dark marks on wings

Body Colors: yellow-brown including dark markings on top of abdomen

Size: 15-20mm

Hook Size: 8-12

Spinner

Body Description

The dun emerges into a spinner and flies into the stream’s foliage banks. Mating flights transpire and the female returns to the water to lay eggs. There aren’t enough spinners to produce a good spinner fall.

Brown Drakes are mistaken for Green Drakes. They are the same size and distinguished by heavily patterned wings with mottling in both the dun & spinner.