Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Tipula larva

Posted by Cranefly on 25-01-2010 10:53
#1

I discovered this larva accidently in very ancient collection, without label, but I suppose it to be from European Russia. "Moist thin litter".

Edited by Cranefly on 25-01-2010 13:35

Posted by atylotus on 25-01-2010 11:22
#2

No it's a Tipulidae, in fact it shows much resemblance with a Tipula (Odonatisca) juncea I have in my collection. But there is at least one other species with these kind of pointed lobes i.e. T. (Lunatipula) livida.

Posted by Cranefly on 25-01-2010 11:40
#3

Many thanks, Atylotus! I have never seen larva like this, it is very interesting.
;)

Posted by atylotus on 25-01-2010 11:52
#4

yes, they are very interesting, for I have only seen these specimens in my 20 years of experience in aquatic invertebrates. My T. juncea larvae were found in a flood plain pool along the river Rhine which were created just after a high water discharge. So they were probably washed from the sandy banks into the pools. Maybe if I do some collecting in more terrestrial habitats, then maybe.....