Hey, this aquatic Brachycera larvae
observed alive on the water surface of a pound amid Lemna minor
4mm length when extended
float hairs on spiracular disk
ventral aspect
CEPHALO-PHARYNGEAL SKELETON
ventral arch
litterature on the web
thanks for help
SDS
Edited by solito de solis on 18-04-2017 18:37
Posted by solito de solis on 12-04-2017 19:58
#2
an extra picture
head and thoracic part in dorsal view, extended
Edited by solito de solis on 12-04-2017 19:59
Posted by solito de solis on 16-04-2017 21:54
#3
Hi
this afternoon, Easter day, I found in a fresh sample of the same water
another larva quite similar to the first one I presented to you in this topic.
I observed it on the surface on water and made a little video to save its behaviour.
Very unknown behaviour (to me) I noticed: from time to time the larva "breathes" from the air to the surface and swallows it by pushing it into its abdomen.
You will see in the video
Edited by solito de solis on 16-04-2017 21:56
Posted by atylotus on 17-04-2017 09:39
#4
Definitely Elgiva spec. In this genus the ventral anal lobes are fused at the base and the ventro-lateral lobes are constricted only in the ventral part. ID to species level in young stages are quite difficult if not impossible.
In some similar Tetanocera spec. and Sepedon spec. the ventral lobes are not fused at the base and the ventro-lateral lobes are constricted in dorsal and ventral part.
Posted by solito de solis on 18-04-2017 18:42
#5
Thanks to you, Atylotus.
I think I make big mistakes trying to make pictures on alive specimens
and putting back the larvae to the sample. So, I'm loosing good opportunites to
fix on pictures the features usefull to go through correct ID.
This time I forgot to make a correct picture of these anal lobes
I'll take car of your comment, Atylotus.
SDS
Video of a younger larvae Elgiva sp alive will be continue soon
Edited by solito de solis on 18-04-2017 18:44
Posted by solito de solis on 19-04-2017 21:00
#6
The clip with a young larva
around 0'35" same as around 4'0"" the larva is breathing and swallowing air with its mouth part
we see the air bubbles enter in his trachea
I guess it's to remain in equilibrium, floating on the water surface ?
