Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Candidate Thaumaleidae larva, NE HU, August

Posted by atylotus on 20-08-2009 13:19
#15

I don't think it is a Thaumaleidae. It shows more resemblance with a Boreoheptagyia [Chironomidae : Diamesinae]. The pictures are very poor though. This peculariar larva also has dorsal tubercles on the head. I have never seen this genus in real, but according to Oliver in Wiederholm (1983 : p116) the larva has a "body patterned with multipointed spines or coarse bars. Claws on parapods arranged in circle." and "The antenna are also on a short pedestal, the anterior parapods are fused, apically divided into two lobes, with each lobe bearing circle of claws". The larva of Boreoheptagea are found in cool, clear mountain or glacier-fed streams, clinging to rocks and boulders at the splash-line.

Edited by atylotus on 20-08-2009 13:21