Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Chironomidae green one.

Posted by Roger Thomason on 22-04-2010 09:24
#1

Found at work a couple of weeks ago. What is the function of the two orange things on it?
Size of the fly 2-3mm.

Posted by Roger Thomason on 22-04-2010 09:24
#2

2

Posted by Roger Thomason on 22-04-2010 09:25
#3

3

Posted by Roger Thomason on 22-04-2010 09:25
#4

4

Posted by Paul Beuk on 22-04-2010 09:46
#5

Roger Thomason wrote:
Found at work a couple of weeks ago. What is the function of the two orange things on it?
Size of the fly 2-3mm.
Reverse question: What is the midge's function? It is either providing food or transportation for two mites. So these orange things are parasitic or phoretic mites.

Posted by Roger Thomason on 22-04-2010 18:27
#6

Thanks Paul, I had one with the same mites on it 18 months ago and thought it was part of the fly http://www.dipter...d_id=15158, and since these were in the same position assumed the same. I also had another larger one with mites on it http://www.dipter...d_id=24428 but they were more widespread. I've never seen any mites on other than green Chironomids....wonder if they taste better?
Regards Roger

Posted by nielsyese on 22-04-2010 21:17
#7

You can also look for mites on springtails :):
http://193.138.206.23/~doehetzelf/images/joanitis/Sminthurus-viridis-20090705-Lukas-Joanitis-l.jpg
Photo by L. Joanitis.

Edited by nielsyese on 22-04-2010 21:18