The hex files, Hexagenia-limbata, are hatching on Lake Erie. It is an amazing right of late spring and early summer. Called by many names, Sand Flies, Fish flies etc, the Hex flies are one of the most important insect species on the Lake.
Once threatend by polution and low oxygen levels these amazing flies have make a remarkable comeback. They hatch by the billions. Anyone who lives near or visits Lake Erie or Lake St.Clair at this time of year has seen them.
It is on of the most interesting hatches in nature. Time perfectly for the young waterfowl hatchlings to provide them with much needed protene. I saw a gaggle of geese putting on a HEX Fly drive today. As many know, geese normally stay away from high grass. It takes away their primary defense weapon, their eyesight. These geese however, were wading into grass that was neck high on them forcing Hex flies to take off and then they ambushed them. I wish I could have got closer, it is quite funny to see gosslings trying to chase down their first HEX.
I have included a link below if anyone is interested. This fly is a mainstay link in the food chain on the Great Lakes. They are harmless to humans, they do NOT bite and do NOT carry diseases. All they do is feed just about everything.
Mayfly Species Hexagenia limbata (Hex) Hatch
Once threatend by polution and low oxygen levels these amazing flies have make a remarkable comeback. They hatch by the billions. Anyone who lives near or visits Lake Erie or Lake St.Clair at this time of year has seen them.
It is on of the most interesting hatches in nature. Time perfectly for the young waterfowl hatchlings to provide them with much needed protene. I saw a gaggle of geese putting on a HEX Fly drive today. As many know, geese normally stay away from high grass. It takes away their primary defense weapon, their eyesight. These geese however, were wading into grass that was neck high on them forcing Hex flies to take off and then they ambushed them. I wish I could have got closer, it is quite funny to see gosslings trying to chase down their first HEX.
I have included a link below if anyone is interested. This fly is a mainstay link in the food chain on the Great Lakes. They are harmless to humans, they do NOT bite and do NOT carry diseases. All they do is feed just about everything.
Mayfly Species Hexagenia limbata (Hex) Hatch