NZ Ceratopogonidae- Possibly Metaforcipomyia sp.

This amazing animal is the larva of a biting midge, probably a subgenus of Forcipomyia called Metaforcipomyia. Uniquely, these larvae form amazing 'balloons' and ball-ended tubes of a waxy substance along their backs. It's probable that it serves as a defence against predators, though very little is known about them. The species in the video has been found in New Zealand and Australia but up until now has not been documented. This was shot on my iPhone with a macro adapter, hence the clicks and shakes. The larva is around 3mm big.

[wildlifegardener-tracey]

What an incredible world there is under our feet all playing amazing roles in the environment we’re so unaware of what’s there. I’m fascinated by your films.