Yeah, they're a bit showy, but the reception is awesome!

Charles Krebs · Post by **Charles Krebs** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 1:36 pm

... I don't care if all the other bugs are staring... at least I don't have to pay those stupid cable bills every month! ...

I'm usually pretty good with insects, but I really don't know what this specimen is. They are very common here in the Pacific Northwest, about the size of a mosquito, and you can even find them in winter if there are a few "warm" days. Very weak flyers, but they obviously are well "tuned in" to something!

Top shot taken with Olympus 2X PlanF, bottom with Nikon 10X Plan. Lighting for both was "normal" darkfield. The very fine antenna elements caused a colorful diffraction of the light, more visible in the first image.

piotr · Post by **piotr** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 2:14 pm

Charlie,

Beautiful images! I like very much the iridescent effect on the antennae. I admire your seamless transitions between macro and micro.

Perhaps this could be a Chironomid insect (a non-biting midge)? Like this one?

Charles Krebs · Post by **Charles Krebs** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 2:40 pm

Hi Piotr,
I agree. It is most likely a member of the family Chironomidae (non-biting midge) but that's about as far as I can take it. Thanks for link. I've book-marked it. (Another great thing about this forum is the collection of very helpful links that I have accumulated thanks to references like yours)

twebster · Post by **twebster** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 3:38 pm

Hi ya' Charlie

Yup. 'Tis a chironomid fly. These guys are hard to idenstify down to genus and species. You gotta have a microscope

Chironomids are pretty important to trout production. I've read some studies on some lakes in Idaho where chironomid flies can make up to 30% to 50% of a trout's diet. I've caught 10# trout in the Colorado River above Lee's Ferry that had gorged themselves on midges and midge pupae. Cool

Best regards as always, my friend

Frez · Post by **Frez** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:58 pm

Tremendous Charlie! I can't imagine having these on my head.

They are so delicate and must relay so much information to the critter of the nature we can't begin to sense.

Well Well Done!
Frez

Wim van Egmond · Post by **Wim van Egmond** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 1:10 am

A great image of a Chironomid, indeed a midge. I am pretty sure that you have encountered their larvae in pond water, Charly! I'll see if I can post one if I have time.

Try and see if you can find the male of a mosquito. They have very weird antennae too!

Wim