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Chaoboridae

Phantom Midges

DIPTERA > NEMATOCERA | Lower Diptera
CULICOMORPHA > Culicoidea > Chaoboridae (6 species)

(subfamilies: none)


A small family of just six species that are closely associated with mosquitoes but, as far as I'm aware, don't bite. They vary in size from as little as 2mm to around 10mm, are delicate in form with a slender abdomen and long legs, and are typically pale yellow or pinkish-brown to grey in colour; ocelli are absent; antennae always with fifteen segments, and strongly plumose in the male; the mouthparts protrude, but far less so than in mosquitoes; upper part of the thorax with bristles, but with two bare stripes; wings narrow.

There are two genera, Chaoborus with four species and Mochlonyx with two, the former having the first segment of the tarsus elongate and virtually twice the length of the second segment, whereas in Mochlonyx it is short and about a quarter of the length. However, that detail can be difficult to see in photos, so I was advised by an expert on the UK Diptera FB group that Chaoborus species can usually be distinguished by the white stripe on the side of the thorax and a very hairy abdomen.

The larvae are aquatic occurring in still waters, such as lakes and ponds, but also in much smaller areas of standing water as may be found in swamps and bogs where they prey on small invertebrates. They are nearly transparent with no more than a slight yellow cast, an appearance that gave rise to the common name of phantom larvae/midges. The adults are largely found in the vicinity of the larval habitats and often fly in swarms.



Updated, Dec.24 (v.2)

<p class="font_7" style="text-align: center"><em><strong>Chaoborus</strong></em><strong> sp. </strong>(male)</p>

Chaoborus sp. (male)

Blashford Lakes, Nr.Ringwood, Hampshire | May 24

<p class="font_7" style="text-align: center"><em><strong>Chaoborus</strong></em><strong> sp. </strong>(female)</p>

Chaoborus sp. (female)

Blashford Lakes, Nr.Ringwood, Hampshire | Aug.24

<p class="font_7" style="text-align: center"><em><strong>Chaoborus</strong></em><strong> sp. </strong>(male)</p>

Chaoborus sp. (male)

Blashford Lakes, Nr.Ringwood, Hampshire | Sept.22

<p class="font_7" style="text-align: center"><em><strong>Chaoborus</strong></em><strong> sp. </strong>(male)</p>

Chaoborus sp. (male)

Blashford Lakes, Nr.Ringwood, Hampshire | Aug.24

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