P. ruber

[ryan]

I was wondering if anyone has had much luck finding this species. There are a few streams in my back yard where I have specifically seen their larva. However, I'm yet to see an adult. Any clues as to what is the best time of year to go looking? Am I better off looking for them in the streams or on land around them streams? Thanks for the help.

 

[russ]

Finding adults does seem somewhat more problematic than larvae. I've spent quite a bit of time poking around in prime habitat to only see a couple to none. Most people I have spoken to about the species tend to collect the larvae and raise them instead of burning hours (if not days) trying to find adults.

 

[brian]

Ryan,
I have found reds by driving roads at night along the fast moving streams where they might be found. Good way to find spring sals too. I have had MUCH less success going back to those same streams during the day and flipping rocks. I've found other species under those rocks, but not reds.

 

[kristen]

Ryan,
I actually have a pretty intense study going right now on P. ruber in North Carolina that I have been conducting since May. I would suggest looking around streams (under logs and shining into crayfish burrows, etc) from roughly July until September. This is when I have found adults to returning to streams and active within and on the banks. PA may have a slightly shorter active season just based on temperatures.
Hope this helps.
Kristen