Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Unknown larvae, assistance please

Posted by Seafry on 16-08-2020 20:59
#1

Found feeding on a gastropod in a river. Collected in South Africa.

Posted by atylotus on 17-08-2020 12:17
#2

Looks very similar to our European larvae of Notiphila or Hydrellia. Both piercing waterplants with their anal spines which are connected with the trachea. A detailed photo of the mandibles or head capsule would help in determining the genus

Edited by atylotus on 17-08-2020 12:18

Posted by Seafry on 17-08-2020 12:43
#3

Thank you very much, unfortunately I did not get a good photo of the head capsule

Posted by Tony Irwin on 17-08-2020 16:36
#4

Behaviour sounds more like Sciomyzidae. Any particular reasons for it not to be a sciomyzid?

Posted by atylotus on 17-08-2020 23:14
#5

It has a piercing posterior spine (in fact 2 close together), seen at top right. No such spine in any Sciomyzidae. I have seen this too many times..

Posted by Tony Irwin on 18-08-2020 13:14
#6

It makes sense when you look at it that way round! :o
I should have realized that, given my avatar!

Edited by Tony Irwin on 18-08-2020 13:15

Posted by atylotus on 18-08-2020 20:23
#7

But... Your avatar is a... Tipula... :D

Posted by Tony Irwin on 18-08-2020 21:23
#8

It's a bum that looks like a head!

Posted by Seafry on 25-08-2020 15:44
#9

:D