Phantom Midge Chaoborus crystallinus
Phantom Midge Chaoborus crystallinus
The phantom midge fly larva is a fierce predator of Daphnia, Copepods and Ciliates found in freshwater ponds. I first encountered them this weekend and tried a number of different photographic techniques. Because of their large size I needed to make panoramas to capture the entire organism. I also tried focus stacking to increase the depth of field. They seem to be common in many areas, but its the first time I encountered them. The ice has been off the ponds in Calgary for about a week now and temperatures are starting to warm - so I will try to collect from the ponds every weekend. The bean shaped structures are swim bladders filled with air that help keep them afloat.
Re: Phantom Midge Chaoborus crystallinus
Very nice, well done.Was the specimen mounted or just a wet slide?
Re: Phantom Midge Chaoborus crystallinus
All the specimens are just in pond water with a coverlip on top.
Cheers
RB
Cheers
RB
Re: Phantom Midge Chaoborus crystallinus
Jaw dropping mate, never seen those creatures before. Very nice and sharp images.
Daruosh.
Re: Phantom Midge Chaoborus crystallinus
Fearsome looking beastie! Glad to read that mosquito larvae also figure on their menu and that when adult they do not feed on mammals.
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
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Re: Phantom Midge Chaoborus crystallinus
The polarized one looks particularly nice with so many colours.
Re: Phantom Midge Chaoborus crystallinus
Fantastic shots!!!
Re: Phantom Midge Chaoborus crystallinus
Very nicely done, very interesting to see it "up close".
Last edited by Mraster2 on Wed May 06, 2020 11:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Phantom Midge Chaoborus crystallinus
Unbelievable--these rise to the level of art.