New to me segmented worm

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Bschnitzer
Posts: 57
Joined: Mon May 16, 2022 6:57 pm
Location: Northern Virginia

New to me segmented worm

#1 Post by Bschnitzer » Sat Jun 03, 2023 1:43 am

This 40X video is slowed down to 1/4th speed in order to get a better glimpse of whatever it is. In case you missed it ,the tail end is spiked with 5 or 6 bristles. Sorry for the poor quality. First time I’ve seen straight, rigid segments like this.

Thanks for looking.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rR4Hf7 ... sp=sharing
1. Olympus BH2 BHTU trinocular w/DPlan objectives, Risingcam 20mp 1” USB
2. Motic SMZ 168 Stereo w/Nikon 1 V1
3. Extreme macro rig Nikon D500/PB6 bellows/10x CFI Achr/Raynox DCR150/Wemacro Rail

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actinophrys
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Re: New to me segmented worm

#2 Post by actinophrys » Sat Jun 03, 2023 4:38 am

Nice catch. The rigid segments are because it is not truly a worm, it's an insect larva. This is one of the Ceratopogonidae, little flies variously called punkies, no-see-ums, or biting midges.

Bschnitzer
Posts: 57
Joined: Mon May 16, 2022 6:57 pm
Location: Northern Virginia

Re: New to me segmented worm

#3 Post by Bschnitzer » Sat Jun 03, 2023 12:37 pm

Thanks, Actinophrys. I suspected a larva as well, but couldn’t find an image online of one similar to it. The periodic thrashing reminded me of mosquito wrigglers. Also the size - about 3mm I think.
1. Olympus BH2 BHTU trinocular w/DPlan objectives, Risingcam 20mp 1” USB
2. Motic SMZ 168 Stereo w/Nikon 1 V1
3. Extreme macro rig Nikon D500/PB6 bellows/10x CFI Achr/Raynox DCR150/Wemacro Rail

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