Any Ideas what it is?

[br1an]

While cleaning out my pond filters the other day I found thousands of these little creatures in the filter has anyone any ideas as to what they are? They are about 1/4 inch long and look a little like a miniature leech?

Thanks All

[Tiggrx]

Probably the larvae of a Black Fly (Simulidae) - the larvae are usually found in running water and often in pond filters.

[br1an]

Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to respond. thenk you for your answer.

[naturelover]

Originally Posted by br1an

While cleaning out my pond filters the other day I found thousands of these little creatures in the filter has anyone any ideas as to what they are? They are about 1/4 inch long and look a little like a miniature leech?

Thanks All

looks like a leech to me,i get them in my pond always thought they were leech,dont get much bigger than that,they get in my pump too.

[Dogghound]

No not a leech, the photo shows a member of the SIMULIIDAE or black Black fly species. They can be commonly found in pond filters/pumps etc. Leeches are more often than not found in the actual pond.

[naturelover]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

No not a leech, the photo shows a member of the SIMULIIDAE or black Black fly species. They can be commonly found in pond filters/pumps etc. Leeches are more often than not found in the actual pond.

hi i run away with the idea they were leeches all these years thanks for putting me right,never seen any in the pond always where water goes in or out,when you take them out of the wetness they wriggle like mad,they are always in groups.

[wyevilla]

Hi Naturelover

Simulid larvae need running water (not sure if its aneed for oxygen or because they filterfeed - possibly both play a part) so are likely to congregate wherever water is moving fastest.

[Gurder]

It definately looks like a blackfly larva to me, I found loads in the waterfall of my pond when I gave it a clean over the weekend