Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Tanypodinae larvae
#1
Well hello!
This larvae was found in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. I think it must be an early instar.
Still couldn't rear it to genus level.
Does anybody know if such big head capsule is a taxonomic characteristic or just a common allometric feature?
Also if anyone knows what it is, it'd be awesome, too. (I suspect Ablabesmyia)
#2
I'm sure John Carr will be able to help on this, but my interpretation is that this is a damaged specimen in which most of the body contents have been lost. I have never seen a chironomid larva with these body proportions, and cannot see how such a larva could function normally.
It is a tanypodine, but I wouldn't venture to suggest which genus it might be in Brazil!
#3
I agree with Tony. Although I'm not familiar with your faunal region, only the Palaearctic, your specimen looks a bit like Ablabesmyia indeed. However, it would help to give detailed photo of the head showing at least the maxillary palps, and one showing the anal claws. If there are any brown claws or claws with secondary teeth, many genera can be excluded.
#4
With a head length to width ratio around 1.3 this is either not
Ablabesmyia or is an earlier instar for which the key doesn't work.