Posted by atylotus on 13-12-2010 16:30
#1
We've found this peculiar larva on the (North Sea) beach of Scheveningen, The Netherlands, 14 oktober 2010 on/in sand. It is a small larvae of about 3.5 mm with an anterior spiracles of 3 lobes and a pair of posterior spiracles with a circular crown of feathery setae (floating hairs?). I have no idea about the family, but Canacidae was one of our guesses.
I hope anybody could help me with the family but genus is prefered.
Posted by Cranefly on 13-12-2010 18:06
#4
It resembles Ephydridae. Anterior spiracles are typical for some Ephydrinae. Canacidae seem to have more complex anterior spiracles. Salt waters are good for Ephydra, Scatella, some Scatophila. This larva has no long breathing divergating tube. Resembles Scatella. Short posterior breathing tubes present for example in Scatella subguttata. I hope it is mature larva, for as you know, larvae of 1-2 instar may look different from matures.:|