Surface insects?

[WBrian]

Hi,
I've noticed the occasional dead, light tan, very small insect floating on the top of my tank when I go to feed, or tend to the tank in some way. I figured it was something like a gnat attracted to the lights. Well tonight, I was checking on a new addition to the tank (feather duster), and noticed these things flying/moving across the surface of the water under my blue LED moon light. They were moving so fast, all I coould se of them are swirling streaks. I mean amazingly fast. Any idea what they might be? I've never seen a gnat move anything near this speed. (And no I wasn't hallucinating or under the influence- my Wife saw them too!)

Tomorrow I'll try to post a pic of the surface critters in daylight.

Thanks for any help!
Brian

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

They may have been epitokes.
http://gutfeeling.mine.nu/?p=180
http://www.calacademy.org/research/izg/ ... mswarm.htm

 

[Anonymous]

mosquitoes will also spawn in the tank. They could be larvae.

 

[WBrian]

Not either of the things on those first 2 links. And I'm originally from Jersey, So I know mosquitoes. These are different. They are amazingly mobile. They are ON the water, not in it. I've been unable to get a picture of them due to inability to focus on something so small. But I drew their shape. The roound body is about the size of a head of a pin.

ANyd other ideas?

Thanks!
Brian

 

[Basicsafty]

I think this may be it...

http://entomology.unl.edu/lgh/marine_in ... tomia.html

 

[WBrian]

I think you're right! Now I'll do a little research on them...

Thanks a bunch!
Brian

 

[Basicsafty]

I just found that right after I read the thread, had never heard of them before. Apparently the eggs can lay dormant for a little while, then they hatch mate and die. You must have gotten some rock some eggs on it, and just now they decided to open up. The larvae feed on detritus and algae, so its probably not a bad thing.

 

[WBrian]

I was able to shoot a small video of the movement of these things. No I have to figure out where to host it that I can link it to here.

I'll be back!
B.