Thread subject: Diptera.info :: THAUMALEIDAE?
Posted by marprisp on 11-08-2009 15:15
#1
Hello everyone!
I'm a beginner in the world of forums. I am trying to identify quite a lot of samples of different areas of Spain and I am always doubting about the presence of the family Thaumaleidae, is it very similar to Chironomidae?Is it common or even present in spanish rivers?I have tried to search articles about its distribution but it's quite impossible to find the answer. THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH IN ADVANCE!:)
Posted by Eric Fisher on 11-08-2009 16:23
#2
marprisp,
10 species of Thaumalea are known from Spain -- according to Fauna Europaea.
Based on my experiences in collecting this family (several North American species) they favor a very particular habitat: trickles of water -- with abundant algae -- on steep (often vertical) hillsides. Gently sweep a fine net through these areas and you will soon find adults.
Eric
Posted by marprisp on 12-08-2009 08:12
#3
First of all, thank you very much Eric for such a quick answer. It would definetively help me in my work. However, I still doubting in what concerns identification of larvae. Are there many morphological ressemblances between Chironomidae and Thaumalidae? Do you know where I can find a photo of Thaumalidae (larvae)?
Thanks again!