Weird Bugfest
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:11 pm
I stumbled upon an interesting phenomenon in a water-filled ditch along a hiking trail. I saw a black film floating along the surface, the entire length of the 50-foot stream. It was only on one side, as if wind blown or washed to shore. It looked a lot like an oil slick blown to shore. But closer inspection revealed it to be a surface film composed of tiny oblong dots, about 1 mm in length. Closer examination-- I stuck my finger in to see what it was-- and I still couldn't tell, but I could see movement. The dots were alive!
I took a sample home to stick under the microscope. It turned out that the great floating film consisted of millions of tiny black insects. I wasn't able to identify them. They are extremely hydrophobic (water repelling). You can't push them underwater without the water surface wanting to follow along. I didn't see any hopping on the water, but when removed from the water, they can hop. I think they are springtails. A water drop would hold them in place for viewing, but didn't give a good view. Once removed from the drop to dry space, they flee the strong light of the microscope and are very difficult to get a good look. So I'm not sure. Cool phenomenon, though, whatever they are.
I took a sample home to stick under the microscope. It turned out that the great floating film consisted of millions of tiny black insects. I wasn't able to identify them. They are extremely hydrophobic (water repelling). You can't push them underwater without the water surface wanting to follow along. I didn't see any hopping on the water, but when removed from the water, they can hop. I think they are springtails. A water drop would hold them in place for viewing, but didn't give a good view. Once removed from the drop to dry space, they flee the strong light of the microscope and are very difficult to get a good look. So I'm not sure. Cool phenomenon, though, whatever they are.