What kind of beast is this, it has no wings and is on the side just above the water.
Answer
Dear Ton,
these are larvae of dragonflies (order Odonata).
The larvae of dragonflies live in the water where they feed on a variety of aquatic animals, from daphnia to small fish. The larval stage lasts from a few months to five years.
When the larva is fully grown, it crawls out of the water in search of a suitable place to molt one last time into imago or adult dragonfly. It can be found on plant stems on the side of a ditch, stream or pond.
The photo shows the catching mask, this is the extended lower lip, with which the prey is caught and brought to the mouth.
Kind regards,
Hans
Answered by
Hans Casteels
identification of pest insects in agriculture and horticulture, stock goods and homes
Burg. van Gansberghelaan 96 box 1 9820 Merelbeke
http://www.ilvo.vlaanderen.be
.