Larvae? 2mm on pond

[JRsbugs]

Hi,

Any clues? That's all I can say, I'm stumped!

28th April 2010 being blown along the surface of my pond.

Janet

[triops]

I think they are probably detached antennae of a midge, possibly Chironomus sp. Owner maybe eaten by something?

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by triops

I think they are probably detached antennae of a midge, possibly Chironomus sp. Owner maybe eaten by something?

Think I'd agree with this. Doesn't look like it would belong below the meniscus.

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Janet,

Exactly the same first thoughts as Triops.

Take care,

Jason

[JRsbugs]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone, I had thought that myself but wasn't sure! To see two antennae around 2mm long breezing along the pond together was quite unusual, even more unusual that I got a decent shot of them considering the speed they were being blown along at.

I have been sorting my pics into folders, two days before I took that I got a Chaoboridae on a shrub nearby, which I think is Chaoborus flavicans and the similarity struck me although it's antennae were attached and fluffed out.

I'll upload those pics and post them here..

[JRsbugs]

You can see how the possibilty of having antennae completely detached with no part of the head seemed improbable!

I thought this was around 7mm, so the antennae size would fit and they do look much the same, 26th April.

[Jason Green]

Nice image of the midge, I haven't seen one for a while now. What is it that characterises C. flavicans here? There's a key out - retailing at £53, so perhaps a considered purchase - that deals with about 430 British species. It's a big book too I believe, it could be good if you're interested in these!

Just drop a few hints...

[JRsbugs]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Nice image of the midge, I haven't seen one for a while now. What is it that characterises C. flavicans here? There's a key out - retailing at £53, so perhaps a considered purchase - that deals with about 430 British species. It's a big book too I believe, it could be good if you're interested in these!

Just drop a few hints...

If I bought all the books with keys I would like to have I would have to be very rich unfortunately. If I wanted to specialise then it might be a worthwhile investment, my sights are more set on a good book for Syrphidae but even that has been dumped in favour of a pair of good wellies which have proved their worth in this weather.

What is it that is characteristic...

For a start, there are only 4 Chaoborus species listed for the UK. 3 are under sub-genus Chaoborus: C. crystallinus, flavicans and obscuripes. One is under sub-genus Peusomyia which is C. pallidus.

C. crystallinus is in the Gallery at diptera.info, it doesn't look to fit that mainly because of the grey colour.

Diptera.info - Photo Albums: Chaoborus crystallinus (male) (2)

C. flavicans in in Tom Murray's pbase photos, it is a good match and I trust his determination.

Phantom Midges - Chaoboridae Photo Gallery by Tom Murray at pbase.com

I can't say for sure the following pic is C. obscuripes, but the species name does suggest it as being 'obscure'

Stock Photography image of Male Midge Chaoborus obscuripes while mating stock photo

A little extra searching reveals that C. pallidus should have rings on the femur and tibia..

Diptera.info - Discussion Forum: Chaoborus species

The most likely therefore is C. flavicans, and I imagine the species name attributed to this species is something to do with the yellowish stripe along the side of the thorax. 'flavicans' 'flavipes' etc. usually means yellow.

So, dear Watson, it is elementary!

[Jason Green]

Ah, I see now - thanks for the explanation.

[Wes]

Interesting post and replies.