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Hi,

can someone identify family or even genus of this larva? It is living directly under the water surface in its own living tube, built on a blade of grass. I got the hint, it probably could be a Chironomidae larva. What is to say about that, can someone confirm this?

Length about 2 mm, but in fact it's hard to say, because I never had the chance to see the complete larva.

Thanks a lot!

Lennart

2015-08-21, Northern Germany, S-H, Mohrkirch, garden pond.

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here's another picture

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It's living in a tube made of insect parts. That's one mean larva.

If it has no prolegs, it should be Ceratopogoninae. (The non-aquatic groups do have prolegs.) With prolegs, Chironomidae.

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You're right - I'm sure it's the most dreaded animal in that pond. I hope it's still living there, so I can look after the prolegs tomorrow. Many thanks!

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Chironomidae, subfam. Chironominae. ID to genus/species level needs detailled examination of the head capsule, preferably in ventral view......or you could send it to me.

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Thank you very much for your determination, atylotus!

Alright, next time I'll try to take more detailed pictures. I've been there and unfortunatley it's gone.