Can you identify this mysterious pond animal?

[zaz283]

Peering into my clay lined pond over a cup of tea, I spotted something I've not seen before and can't identify on t'internet.

It was about an inch long, a bit like a small thin stick, three colour bands of grey, brown & cream. Could'nt see any signs of how it moved around (i.e. no sign of any legs etc) but was slowly making progress under water.

Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks, John

http://allotmentheaven.blogspot.co.uk/

[zaz283]

[star]

It sounds like a Caddis fly larvae, they are amazing really. They pick up bits and pieces from the pond bottom and stick it around themselves as camouflage, the legs poke out from the opening at the front and it pulls itself along slowly.

It really does look it a bit of a twig!

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=caddisfly+larvae+identification&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=0JW&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=WCrKT7PlCIa00QWY5bCwAQ&ved=0CHYQsAQ&biw=1440&bih=807

[Robert_Brenchley]

Caddis fly is quite possible, though it's hard to be sure. Those are damselflies on your blog, not mayflies.

[star]

I had a look on Johnmacs blog and didn't see any insects at all :-\.....oh well I guess its easy for me to miss all  relevant information.( And I had me glasses on ::))

[Aden Roller]

I had a look on Johnmacs blog and didn't see any insects at all :-\.....oh well I guess its easy for me to miss all  relevant information.( And I had me glasses on ::))

Me too (apart from the damselflies) although my specs are cheap reading glasses from the supermarket  ;D

I'd guess Caddis fly larvae as well - description fits 99.9%  ;)

[zaz283]

Apologies there's no photo... wasn't able to take one at the time and hoped the description might be enough. I'll try and catch it on camera.

Thought about caddis fly larva, but couldn't find an image on the web that mirrored the three bands of colours.

Thanks for the correction about the damselflies... I've corrected that. Regards, John

[Aden Roller]

Had a sudden thought when rereading this thread.

Wondered if this is what you might have in the pond: Ranatra otherwise known as water stick insect.

Try this link: "ranatra" - there are few photos to be had of this water insect but a google may help you. Give it a try.  ;)

[zaz283]

Thanks for the suggestion Aden, but there were no legs visible so don' think it was a ranatra. John

[Aden Roller]

Thanks for the suggestion Aden, but there were no legs visible so don' think it was a ranatra. John

Oh well....... Shame I lost my very old copy of "I-Spy Freshwater Pond Life".  :(