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Can Anybody ID This Little Critter?

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  • 15-07-2007 8:19pm
    #1
    crosstownk
    Registered Users Posts: 12,863 ✭✭✭✭


    Hi All,

    I wonder if anybody could ID this thing that is swimming in my pond. I've seen two of them. They wriggle around and have tails. I'm no expert, but they look like some kind of larvae. They are about 2cm long. This dude swims just under the surface of the water. I observed it for over an hour and it (and it's buddy) were there a few hours later, so I doubt it's something that fell in accidentally.

    Any ideas..................?

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    #2
    Alun
    Registered Users Posts: 21,466 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    It's the larva of the Dronefly or European Hoverfly aka the "rat-tailed maggot' .. endearing name, eh?.

    See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drone_fly


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    #3
    crosstownk
    Registered Users Posts: 12,863 ✭✭✭✭crosstownk


    Cheers Alun! I've noticed a couple of the adults since I put the pond in but had no idea they were the larvae.

    Also, the pond was somewhat dirty until recently as I'm only new to this pond caper - so it looks like you're spot on!

    Thanks again!
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