what could this be?

[mcphail]

We keep seeing what look like shrimps in our pond. Today we found several empty shells and then actually saw one moulting. On investigation, the head looks more caterpillar like and flat or square-ish where one would expect a shrimp to have a more pointy head. Is it a shrimp or something else?

[Olly]

It could be a freshwater shrimp or some sort of larvae.

Have a look at the following, may provide some more of an idea:

Pond educational resource pack - crustaceans

Pond educational resource pack - other insects

Olly

[shyfx]

They sound like freshwater shrimps to me.Freshwater Shrimp theres some info on them hope that helps a bit .

[mcphail]

Thanks for the info. I think they might be shrimps as they are at least 2 inches in length. The only thing that confuses me is the shape of their heads as they look more praying mantis than shrimp.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by mcphail

Thanks for the info. I think they might be shrimps as they are at least 2 inches in length. The only thing that confuses me is the shape of their heads as they look more praying mantis than shrimp.

Sounds to me like you're describing a damselfly nymph. Freshwater shrimps are only a few millimetres long, and the praying mantis description certainly sounds like a d'fly nymph head.

Cheers,

Adam

[mcphail]

Thanks Adam

I have been looking other sites up and you may well be right. It is so surprising though because these things are really quite fat - more like witchity grubs when they are at the surface! Thanks again.

[mcphail]

Adam, I have just looked at a picture of a damselfly nymph and can confirm that my "shrimp" isn't one. Mine have shrimp legs and not insecty ones so heaven knows what they might be. Any ideas?

[Ukwildlifeo]

Have you tried dragonfly nymph? These have fatter bodies and praying mantis like heads.

PS Is there a pic? or can you get one? Im raelly curious now

[honeybee]

what is it what is it?! Sounds like an alien and dragonfly nymphs do look alien like (whatever an alien looks like).

[mcphail]

Hi honeybee and rest of peeps

The use of the word "alien" couldn't be more appropriate. It is definitely a nymph and you are probably right that it is a dragon fly one. What has been staggering is the fact that we have caught them several times now eating each other! One of them has its face burrowed into the other's abdominal region and sucking for dear life as it tries desperately to get away. It was gross. We kept finding their shells and thought they were moulting but now we are not sure! I look at them with very different eyes now and invariably with a shudder.