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Aquatic Larvae

Photo by flowntheloop
Published on Project Noah
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34.58, -84.69

Spotting Video

Field Notes

Description:

Segmented, aquatic larvae putting anal spiracles up for breathing. Around 30mm length. See the attached video to see how they navigate the puddle! I'm not sure if it is sifting through the sediment for food or what exactly is going on. Very cool stuff! Possibly tabanid fly larvae? I am unsure!

Habitat:

In a puddle of standing water with fine sediment from the dirt road and steep hillside nearby. Surrounded by dense mixed hardwood forest.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (7)
The Ford Plantation
I have seen these before in GA! I was told they were solider fly larvae, so I think sonofives is correct
flowntheloop
@sonofives I will have to do a closer inspection of one of these guys next time I am out there! Thank you for the genus tip. They look very similar.
sonofives
Nice find! These resemble the larvae of flies in the Stratiomys genus, however I am not 100% sure
flowntheloop
Sarah, my husband and I initially mistook them for leaves sticking up out of the surface of the puddle. I'm glad we took a second glance!
SarahWhitt
WOW!! The things we see in nature!! Really COOL, indeed!! :)
flowntheloop
Thank you, Christine! It was a wonder to behold! I'm leaning towards tabanid fly larvae, but I'm not quite sure yet!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Wildlife of the South East, USA
Mission
Wildlife of Georgia
Mission
The Bug Chicks Sofa Safari

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Photographed
PublishedAugust 19, 2017

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