Phantom Midge Chaoborus crystallinus

[RobBerdan]

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.

Bright field microscopy

DSC_0023.jpg (122.23 KiB) Viewed 3889 times

Panorama

s13423_29Pan.jpg (101.22 KiB) Viewed 3889 times

Polarizing microscopy

DSC_0050.jpg (147.9 KiB) Viewed 3889 times

Phase contrast

s134__257-268Pan.jpg (135.73 KiB) Viewed 3889 times

DIC microscopy

s134_fs17_24.jpg (141.22 KiB) Viewed 3889 times

[Chris Dee]

Very nice, well done.Was the specimen mounted or just a wet slide?

[RobBerdan]

All the specimens are just in pond water with a coverlip on top.
Cheers
RB

[daruosha]

Jaw dropping mate, never seen those creatures before. Very nice and sharp images.

[75RR]

Fearsome looking beastie! Glad to read that mosquito larvae also figure on their menu and that when adult they do not feed on mammals.

[banerjeesaby]

The polarized one looks particularly nice with so many colours.

[RodgerC]

Fantastic shots!!!

[Mraster2]

Very nicely done, very interesting to see it "up close".

[DonSchaeffer]

Unbelievable--these rise to the level of art.