Larvae for ID please

[widiot]

I have quite a few of these currently lurking in my pond. They are about 1cm in length and Im sure they are fully grown as there are many empty shell casings floating on the surface,tho I doubt many make it airborne due to the huge number of pondskaters I have constantly patrolling every inch of my pond.....and whilst Im on the subject is there anyting that predates on pondskaters? My pond is new this year and a few got introduced with plants.I estimate now i have 100+ adults in a pond with a surface area of about 10square meters and very few insects survive.I even watched one today capture a hoverfly that chose top land on my lily pads. Would love to get dragonflys or damsels,but wonder if the pondskaters would have a go at them aswel?

[Monkey Orchid]

Your picture looks like a mayfly nymph. Not sure which species.

As for what might predate on pond skaters... Spiders, adult dragonflies and damselflies will prey on them, whilst water mites will feed on their body fluids. And I assume that birds and frogs will also snap them up if they get a chance.

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Monkey Orchid

Your picture looks like a mayfly nymph.

I agree. Its unlikely you will get it to species unless you raise it.