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Pond larvae #861497

Asked March 14, 2024, 6:15 PM EDT

What is the best way to identify what appears to be some type of larvae swimming in my small backyard pond? They are not mosquito larvae (unless this is a very early stage - I have only seen the mosquito larvae that are near the surface and jerk around). These appear to be swimming in schools but there are no fish in it and no way for fish to get there without assistance. I looked online at various larval stages and can't find anything that looks like these. Thanks for any assistance!

Polk County Oregon

Expert Response

Grace:

The best way for me to ID the larva in your pond is to have one in my hand so I can see the physical character need to ID it, that is not the case here. I would need good pictures and some kind of scale so I know the size of this larvae. One possibility that comes to my mind are tadpoles. I say this because you stated, “appear to be swimming in schools”. Fish are the other ones I was thinking of but you stated that is not possible (are you sure?).

If you can send me some pictures lets’ see what I can do.

Let me know if you have any additional questions. Thank you for contacting us at Extension. Rich

An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 15, 2024, 2:17 PM EDT

They are so tiny that I’m not sure you could even see them in your hand.  I’m not sure if I can even photograph them.  I think they’re some kind of insect and don’t look at all like what a tadpole to me.  All I can tell you is they seem to be white/transparent, are more in a group and moving around in it than actually swimming in a school, and are probably the size of a small round seed.  The “swimming” appears to be small bursts, almost like being kicked forward.  I am going to watch them and see if anything develops further but will try to get a photo if possible.  I put the small pond in (plastic form, approx. 8’ long and 5’ wide) last summer so there’s no connection to any fish source.

Thanks!

 

 

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2024 11:17 AM
To: Grace McCabe <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Pond larvae (#0131420)

 

The Question Asker Replied March 15, 2024, 5:57 PM EDT

There are so many possibilities as to what they are. I cannot give an ID given how little information I have.

What county do you live in? It may be possible to bring in some samples to your county Extension office.

Rich

An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 17, 2024, 10:35 AM EDT

I thought as much.  Polk Co.  I think I will try to put them in a flat glass container and try to get a photo that way.

 

 

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 7:36 AM
To: Grace McCabe <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Pond larvae (#0131420)

 

The Question Asker Replied March 17, 2024, 11:40 AM EDT

OK, I will wait to see if you can get a picture.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 18, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT

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