Bloodworms - plumed midges

Description:

2mm long. Clustering writhing masses of red, segmented, worm-like nymphs with dark eyes, 2 sets of pro-legs.

Habitat:

These appeared in our cement bird bath. The bath had been emptied and flushed clean about 1 hour earlier and allowed to dry in strong sunlight..

Notes:

The worms were highly active, writhing yet staying together. They can exist under highly polluted and highly anaerobic conditions. They are the only known insect able to produce haemoglobin which gives them the red colouring and the ability to survive with little oxygen. Larvae live in the pond ooze and pupate in larval tunnels. They are frequently abundant and are perhaps the most important food item for many species of fish and other aquatic animals... BUT HOW DID THEY GET THERE? They may well develop into something like this http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/176...