In the last couple of days I have found columns of larvae (maggots) marching across the flagstones of our front walk. I have never seen them before, but this morning there were at least four of different lengths and densities. When I held a compass above each of these columns, they all pointed NNE, independent of each other's existence. They have appeared to come up out of the lawn adjacent to the walk.
In this view, the mass is moving right to left.
Here is a detail of the larva, which are 9.5mm long:
Does anyone have any idea of what these are? Are they malicious? And, honestly, these bugs must be amazing egg layers.
Regards
Mike
Larvae on the March
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Larvae on the March
Michael Reese Much FRMS EMS Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
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Larvae on the March
I forget to ask : does anyone have suggestions about if I capture another batch, what to feed the larvae to get them to pupate?
Thanks
Mike
Thanks
Mike
Michael Reese Much FRMS EMS Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
- MarkSturtevant
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How interesting! These are fungus gnat larvae, and they are movin' out from one area in search of better feeding grounds.
Here is some info: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2014/06/29 ... at-larvae/
And of course wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungus_gnat
Here is some info: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2014/06/29 ... at-larvae/
And of course wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungus_gnat
Mark Sturtevant
Dept. of Still Waters
Dept. of Still Waters
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Larvae on the March
Thanks, Mark. It has been raining here in Eastern Pennsylvania almost daily lately, so this would explain the emergence of these larva in such hordes. Perhaps they have been dormant awaiting a better environment.
Mike
Mike
Michael Reese Much FRMS EMS Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA