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Photo#241155
slug-like thing on a gnat

slug-like thing on a gnat
Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA
August 2, 2008
I was wondering what this is that attacked the gnat. It's something not covered by the guide, so I'll Frass it after I get a response.

Very interesting image
The gnat is a chironomid. I think we should keep the image. I moved it to the Guide page for "bug-like" creatures.

Coincidence
I was just looking at this a minute ago.



But I guess the guy here is a predator and not a parasite.

Unsolved? Flatworm? Compare with

 
YES!
That is exactly what this is. :)
See those two black pin-point spots near the front? Those are its 'eyes', if I'm not mistaken.

It's a nice photo, though, as you've already pointed out it, sadly, doesn't belong here. :(

 
We could keep it as a
predator of, among other things, insects, maybe with the gnat? It's interesting enough!

 
Flatworm?
Whatever it is, it's the same as the one you found. They can climb, since this was 5' up on the house siding under the porch light. Thanks Lynette.

 
I'd be willing to bet it is a
I'd be willing to bet it is a flatworm in the family Rhynchodemidae. They are predaceous on other invertebrates. One noteable species is Platydemus manokwari that was introduced into a number of island habitats to control Giant African Snails. Unfortunately, they also took a liking to native snails and slugs, resulting in reduced populations and the threat of extinction for the natives. It is noted that the head end is the pointier of the two. You can clearly see the eyespots on the pointed end in your picture.

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