Knowledgebase
Pond larvae #861497
Asked March 14, 2024, 6:15 PM EDT
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
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)
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
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)
OK, I will wait to see if you can get a picture.