[ID] Larvae on fungus

Fauna · #1 (**permalink**) 19-10-2009, 08:16 PM

Found these the other day while turning over some logs in a forestry...

They where on what looks to be a silken web covering over fungus growths. Size varied from about 3/4 inch to 1 inch approx. They moved around by contracting waves up they body.

I have seen another image like this on the web, i belive it is on whats this bug?. Here it is still a mystery, and i believe somone thinks it is a slug

Lance Morgan · #2 (**permalink**) 19-10-2009, 08:24 PM

Hover Fly larva

Fauna · #3 (**permalink**) 21-10-2009, 07:44 PM

Cheers Lance

Think i better go to that other web site and tell them it is not a slug

Rossco · #4 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 07:35 PM

This looks like a rhagionid (snipe fly) larva. Appearance and size is right and they definitely form the structures you mention.

Dogghound · #5 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 07:44 PM

Its a Mycetophilid (Fungus Gnat).

Rossco · #6 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 09:13 PM

Surely way too big for a mycetophilid as they typically feed in the fungus rather than on the surface and they don't produce the mucus/silken shelters.

Fauna, why don't you post the photo on www.diptera.info

There'll be fly experts a plenty on there to give you a definitive answer.

Rossco · #7 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 09:14 PM

Surely way too big for a mycetophilid and they typically feed in the fungus rather than on the surface and they don't produce the mucus/silken shelters.

Fauna, why don't you post the photo on www.diptera.info

There'll be fly experts a plenty on there to give you a definitive answer.

Dogghound · #8 (**permalink**) 28-10-2009, 06:32 PM

Pretty sure this is a member of the Keroplatidae which is classed (or not depending on reference) under Mycetophilidae. They definately produce the mucous membrane.