Posted by pwalter on 22-12-2009 18:00
#1
This small pupa was in a silken cocoon. About 4 mm long. I found 2 male Chironomids that were reared from the wood/fallen leaves/fungus material I collected in Nocvember. I never heard of Chironomidae with terrestrial larvae. Maybe this is the pupa...
Posted by atylotus on 22-12-2009 19:15
#2
although most Chironomidae are (semi)aquatic, several genera are truly terrestrial. genera like Smittia, Parasmittia, Psuedosmittia, Metriocnemus, Gymnometriocnemus, Camptocladius, Georthocladius and Bryophaenocladius (all Orthocladiinae) have one or more terrestrial represantative. They live in pasture soil, forest soil, birds' nests, manure or in the moss growing on stone walls or roofs. You're pupae seems like a Chironomidae and can be readily identified with Langton (1991).
Edited by atylotus on 22-12-2009 19:16
Posted by pwalter on 22-12-2009 19:33
#3
Thank You. My male chironomids are indeed Orthocladiinae-looking. I'll make a preparation of them.
Posted by Even Dankowicz on 22-03-2019 19:59
#5
Long parallel leg sheaths that reach the posterior apex of the abdomen with a strongly humped thorax are typical for Mycetophilidae or Keroplatidae. I am pretty sure neither of these character states is found in any known Chironomidae.
It is common to find immature stages of multiple groups living in organic substrate; this pupa is likely not related to the adult you found.
Edited by Even Dankowicz on 27-03-2019 17:38