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Photo#316965
Translucent Water Monster

Translucent Water Monster
Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles County, California, USA
July 9, 2009
This impressive partially-translucent monster surfaced in dense aquatic vegetation; probably to take a breath of air.

I couldn't find any resembling images on BugGuide or beyond ...

It seems to have (six?) legs, bulging, near-spherical eyes, and thick, fleshy antennae-like facial protuberances.
This add up to an insect larva.
But which one ?

The closest 'match' might be a Fishfly larva, perhaps of genus Protochauliodes ...

Any pointers are warmly welcomed !

Images of this individual: tag all
Translucent Water Monster Translucent Water Monster Translucent Water Monster

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

Hydrophilidae?
Contrary to the name, the "water scavenger beetles" are mostly predatory, especially as larvae, and the larvae vary quite a bit from genus to genus. I'm moving these to the appropriate suborder, though, just in case I'm wrong and it is in another family. Neat find!

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