Distinguishing characteristics - A marsh fly larvae is similar to several other types of aquatic Diptera larvae and a combination of the following characteristics is usually needed to identify this group. The body is elongate and somewhat tapers at both ends (Fig. A). Round tuberacles usually encircle each body segment (Fig. B) and there are tubercles surrounding the posterior spiracles (Fig. C). The body is usually covered with short fine hairs (Fig. D) and the head capsule is partially retracted into thorax (Fig. E).
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Tolerance Value - 10
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Feeding Group - Predator
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Notes - We have collected aquatic larvae of the marsh flies infrequently in North Dakota rivers and streams. They usually live in marshes and in the margins along ponds, and rarely in streams. They are predators that feed primarily on snails and snail eggs. The size of the marsh fly larvae at maturity is 4-14 mm.
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