Diptera.info

Posted by Stephen on 03-09-2007 12:53

I don't recall seeing a midge with red eyes before.

I notice lots of green midges are in the genus Tanytarsus, though I usually get burned when I try to make IDs based on color. ID help appreciated.

Date: 3 June 2007.

Location: Island in the Ohio River, West Virginia USA.

Posted by Tony Irwin on 03-09-2007 17:41

Sorry, Stephen - wrong order. This is a leafhopper (Homoptera, Cicadellidae). However, it does appear to be mimicking a chironomid, though why anything should want to do that is a mystery - chironomids don't sting and they taste good! Perhaps it's trying to fool the local pipunculids into leaving it alone! :)
It's a very wierd insect. You may get an answer posting it on bug guide, otherwise I may be able to get the name of an American cicadellid expert.

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 03-09-2007 17:44

this is surely one of the best mimics I've ever seen since that Ceriana fooled me! :D
It is extremely similar to Stenochironomus - the body.. :S

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 03-09-2007 17:46

Tony Irwin wrote:
[...]However, it does appear to be mimicking a chironomid, though why anything should want to do that is a mystery - chironomids don't sting and they taste good![...]

Tony... did you eat chironomids? :| :o Your words: "they taste good!" :D

Posted by Jan Willem on 03-09-2007 21:15

Well if this really is a cicadellid (of which I'm not at all convinced yet) it surely is a very good mimic. Even the legs (totally uncicadellid like!!) are similar. Which genus of Cicadellidae might this be Tony?

Jan Willem

Posted by Tony Irwin on 03-09-2007 22:20

Doh!
Trish keeps telling me I need a holiday and this is proof! :(
Apologies to all the puzzled people who wonder if I'm going mad.
I am. :|
Stephen is correct - it's a chironomid.
Eating all those midges has done something to my judgement. I'd best keep my mouth shut for a while! ;)

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 03-09-2007 22:44

with a lateral view shot this post never appeared! :) eheh

I think you forgot to put some pepper and salt on chironomids. :D