Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Clickable Guide
Moths Butterflies Flies Caterpillars Flies Dragonflies Flies Mantids Cockroaches Bees and Wasps Walkingsticks Earwigs Ants Termites Hoppers and Kin Hoppers and Kin Beetles True Bugs Fleas Grasshoppers and Kin Ticks Spiders Scorpions Centipedes Millipedes

Calendar

TaxonomyBrowseInfoImagesLinksBooksData
Photo#2080249
unknown insect

unknown insect
Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County, California, USA
October 5, 2021
Size: 6 mm (without tails)
What IS this? This ultra-delicate flyer floated slowly in the air like a large midge with huge tail filaments trailing below. I saw my first of these near the CA/OR border, but it was too high to catch or photograph. Then a second appeared at eye level and I gently caught it on my hand. Both were in Redwood forests of various ages. I am sure even a breath of wind would ground these weak fliers. One of the most interesting insects I have seen recently.

Images of this individual: tag all
unknown insect unknown insect

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

 
Here's a suggestion.
What about genus Puto?

 
There's certainly a resemblance...
...but I know nothing about these critters--and there are several entire families and some 180 genera not yet represented in the Guide, so there's no way I would attempt any kind of deeper placement. :)

With luck, an expert will eventually chime in.

male scale?

 
Interesting.
The wing venation of two big struts matches. Never would have guessed.

Comment viewing options
Select your preferred way to display the comments and click 'Save settings' to activate your changes.