skip to main content

Name This Animal

Water larva?

20 years ago

OK. You all did such a wonderful job on the last mystery, I'm gonna seek your help again.

I'll post a pic as soon as I get some charge back in the batteries.

The critter in question was found in the same little pond where me and the kids find all our weird mysteries. I'm forming a pretty cool little pond aquarium, with tadpoles (pollywogs now), snails, little fishes and lots of non descript micro somethings, look similar to brine shrimp or something.

The latest thing is about an inch long. It is segmented, has 6 legs at the anterior end, and many sets of short "barb" looking features coming off to the sides of the other segments.

It breathes through an anterior tube that stays in contact with the surface most of the time, like a wriggler. The head is armed with a formidable set of mandibles, and it is a keen and quick hunter, it visually tracks anything that comes close, drams it's body up short, then snaps out and grabs with the mandibles.

It goes after the tadpoles, and has managed to grab one that I've seen, but couldn't hold onto it.

The closest thing in appearance I've found online so far was a Hellgrammite, a Dobsonfly larva.

But those are much larger, and live on land. This is obviously a water adapted larva. But in general proportions and features, the Hellgrammite is a ringer.

I'll post the pic later.

Any Ideas?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Aaron_UK
20 years ago
Maybe the larva of a diving-beetle?
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
20 years ago
You are mistaken about the habitat of the hellgrammite. They live in shallow water and are considered an aquatic larvae. We used to hunt them down in rivers, creeks and ponds in order to use them as bait.
Related Discussions
mosquito larva in self-watering container
Q
Comments (4)
I have some mosquito larva show up from time to time in one of my Walmart SWC pots that I have some garlic growing in on the front porch. I tried a few things to get rid of them, but what's worked for me was to dump all the water out, let the reservoir dry completely for a little while (few hours, maybe a day, depends on what your plants will tolerate). Then refill, wait a day, and repeat. Mosquitos lay their eggs at the water line because the larva need to grow up in water. Drying out triggers them to hatch immediately when they get wet again, so when the current crop of eggs gets dry and then wet, they hatch. Then you dump the larva that hatch before they grow up and that interrupts the cycle. At least until more mosquitos lay eggs... (the mosquito dunk is a more permanent solution)
...See More
nymphs, larva, box elder???
Q
Comments (2)
Hi Sammy! I would check on the Maxforce bag, box or container. Does it say to repeat after a rain? If so, then I think moisture would diminish its effectiveness. Thank you for the post. I have an ant infestation. For now, I've been able to divert them from my bedroom/desk by feeding them corn syrup a little ways from the house. They never go. I think they're in the walls. Now I know that I can try Maxforce. I struggle, sometimes with upkeep after trimming trees. I don't know much about roses, though. But when I'm too exhausted to clean up the cut branches and brush I'm sure to pile them as neat as possible in the work area. They'll begin composting. Then, when I have a chance I throw lawn clippings on top to help the composting process. My son is getting bigger and often helps, nowadays. I'm sorry I don't know about the other bugs you have. Sounds frustrating! bon
...See More
carnivorous tunneling beetle larvae near water
Q
Comments (9)
maybe it's bad manners to answer your own post, but I guess I just didn't give my question enough careful thought. I got to thinking that if this is indeed a beetle larva, and given that there are so many of these dang holes, it seemed logical to assume that I must surely see hordes of the adults around at some point. So I sat and thought about the insects most common to me from this creek. I ruled out the diving beetles amd most of the aquatic possibilities because most of their larval stages were totally water-loving, not high and dry like the mystery suspects. Then I thought of the tiger beetles! THere are HORDES of tiger beetles in this creek.... I flipped through the field guides and there it was, a pretty close description of my subject, although I had to go back on-line to find actual pictures of the larvae themselves. So I guess I have my solution, and one more piece of the puzzle that finally fits. Amazing how little resemblance the "youth" have to their adult forms!!
...See More
insect larvae in flowing water
Q
Comments (2)
Its not mosquito lavea, i am not sure what they are, but we had a problem with them a couple of years or so ago, the also cling to the sides of your pipe work, in my case they reduced the flow so much at one time it caused an overflow, cant advise on how to get rid either, i rebilt my pond and alterd the pipe wotk and havent seen them since, but they are a pain. and yes its the little black flies that hatch out of the clinging castors.
...See More
jeffco67
Original Author
20 years ago
Really?

The stuff I read about them had them being spotted in damp basements and near creeks, wet tunnels, etc, walking around. And said they were several inches long (which this will be if it keeps eating this way). Maybe you're right, that's probably what it is...maybe just not full sized yet?
jeffco67
Original Author
20 years ago
You are right...I found some more info. It's a Hellgrammite. I had to take it out of the tank, it was killing tadpoles left and right...it ate 5 yesterday that I know of. Growing fast, too.

Related Stories

GREEN BUILDING Just Add Water: Rain Barrel Magic

By Marianne Lipanovich

Take your rainwater storage from practical to beautiful with a new breed of design-friendly rain barrels

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Secrets of a Successful Water Garden

Relax. Having a water garden is much easier once you understand the basics

LIFE The Top 5 Ways to Save Water at Home

Get on the fast track to preserving a valuable resource and saving money too with these smart, effective strategies

SAVING WATER 6 Reasons Why You Should Save Your Rainwater Now

By Falon Mihalic

Collect and store during the rainy season so you’ll have water ready for irrigation when you need it

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: How to Install a Rain Barrel

By Annie Thornton

This DIY tutorial shows how easy it can be to capture rainwater from your roof to use in your garden later

GREEN BUILDING How to Harvest Rainwater for Your Garden

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Conserve a vital resource and save money by collecting stormwater for irrigation in a barrel or tank

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Bring on the Birds: Natural Habitat Ideas for Gardens of All Sizes

Provide nesting, watering and perching spots inspired by the Costa Rican jungle and watch the birds flock on over

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Make Your Own Tranquil Garden Fountain

By Christine Tusher

With this DIY water feature in your yard, serenity is just a few steps away

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 8 Modern-Day Moats That Float Our Boats

See how a simple water barrier with ancient roots can make for an eye-catching contemporary garden feature

OUTDOOR ACCESSORIES 10 Fountains to Bring Your Garden to Life

By Laura Gaskill

Water elements can be a dynamic focal point in your outdoor room

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Remodeling Company in New Albany, Ohio