Biots: For creating tails, wings, bodies, and other features on flies.

In fly dressing, “biots” are the short, stiff fibers found along the leading edge of a bird’s primary wing feathers, used to create tails, wings, bodies, and other features on flies, particularly in nymph patterns. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• What they are:

Biots are the stiff, tapered fibers extracted from the leading edge of a bird’s primary flight feathers. 

• Where they come from:

They are sourced from birds like geese and turkeys, but can also come from other wild and domestic birds. 

• How they’re used:
• Tails: Biots are commonly used for creating tails on flies, especially in patterns like the Copper John and Prince Nymph. 
• Bodies: Longer, wider turkey biots are often used to create segmented bodies on flies. 
• Wings: Goose biots can be used for wings, wing cases, and even as “horns” on flies like the Prince Nymph. 
• Appendages: They can also be used to imitate legs, antennae, and other appendages. 
• Types of Biots:
• Goose Biots: These are shorter and stiffer, making them ideal for tails and smaller patterns. 
• Turkey Biots: These are longer and more flexible, often used for wrapping bodies on larger flies.