Larvae on the March

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Olympusman
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Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 12:31 pm

Larvae on the March

Post by Olympusman »

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.

Image

In this view, the mass is moving right to left.
Here is a detail of the larva, which are 9.5mm long:

Image

Does anyone have any idea of what these are? Are they malicious? And, honestly, these bugs must be amazing egg layers.

Regards
Mike
Michael Reese Much FRMS EMS Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

Olympusman
Posts: 5090
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 12:31 pm

Larvae on the March

Post by Olympusman »

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
Michael Reese Much FRMS EMS Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

MarkSturtevant
Posts: 1946
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2015 6:52 pm
Location: Michigan, U.S.A.
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Post by MarkSturtevant »

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
Mark Sturtevant
Dept. of Still Waters

Olympusman
Posts: 5090
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 12:31 pm

Larvae on the March

Post by Olympusman »

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
Michael Reese Much FRMS EMS Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

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