Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Green "mosquito"

Posted by lynkos on 20-08-2006 15:46
#1

I know it's really nothing of the kind (Chironomidae?), but the immediate thought that came to my mind when I saw it was a mosquito that had sucked the blood of the incredibile Hulk :o. About 4 mm long, photographed in a hedge neighbouring on an area of Mediterranean maquis. The photograph is by a friend, Aldo Marinelli.

www.naturamediterraneo.eu/Public/data4/istrice/DSC_6652r.jpg_2006820162056_DSC_6652r.jpg

www.naturamediterraneo.eu/Public/data4/istrice/DSC_6650r.jpg_200682016218_DSC_6650r.jpg

Thanks, Sarah.

Edited by lynkos on 20-08-2006 16:17

Posted by Tony Irwin on 20-08-2006 16:27
#2

Absolutely right - Chironomidae. The top photo is a female, the lower one a male (with those wonderful bushy antennae). The very long front legs are a good character to recognise chironomids (though they don't all have them, and some other families have legs nearly as long - just to make things difficult! ;))

Posted by lynkos on 20-08-2006 16:33
#3

I always seem to be thanking you these days Tony :p, Sarah.

Posted by Tony Irwin on 20-08-2006 17:13
#4

It's been pouring with rain in Norfolk today, so I haven't been able to get into the garden. :( I'm sure there's plenty of other jobs I should be doing, but logging on to Diptera.info is always much more fun!:D

Posted by lynkos on 20-08-2006 17:35
#5

I do know JUST what you mean Tony! I on the other hand am longing for some rain as the heat here in Rome is pretty unbearable and a storm would be just great, Sarah.