Posted by Carnifex on 05-04-2025 13:58
#1
I mean,
Chaoborus larvae are already fancy, but what (besides a more specific ID, if possible) are these bean-like structures on both ends?
Lower Austria, garden pond, early April
Posted by Tony Irwin on 05-04-2025 20:37
#2
The bean-like structures are air sacs (equivalent to a fish swim-bladder) that enable to larva to float horizontally in the water column. By filling or deflating the sacs, the larva can also rise or fall in the water column to avoid predators.
Posted by Carnifex on 06-04-2025 22:03
#3
Thanks a lot, Tony, for the explanation!