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Family Chaoboridae

(Phantom midges)

Soil & Water Conservation Society of Metro Halifax (SWCSMH)

Updated: October 09, 2013      CLICK TO HEAR MIDGES (Sounds provided by and copyrighted to Naturesongs.com, 1997-2004)      [Freshwater Benthic Ecology and Aquatic Entomology Homepage]


Contents:



Linnean system of hierarchical classification (Williams & Feltmate, 1992):


Introduction

In addition to the chironomid larvae, oligochaetes, and the small clam Pisidium, another major component of the profundal zone of lakes is the phantom midge Chaoborus. The larvae are called phantom larvae because of their transparency. They are unique in that their enlarged antennae have been modified for capturing prey such as insect larvae and small crustaceans. They are the only insects frequently found in the limnetic area of lakes. Adults do not feed, but their synchronized emergences may create severe nuisance problems around large lakes because adults are highly attracted to lights. Life cycles are univoltine to multivoltine, depending on species, climate, and habitat. Most larvae can be identified to species.

The life span of an adult phantom midge is very brief (<6 days). Eggs (about 500 in number) are laid on the water in rafts and most (97 per cent) hatch in two to four days. The larvae can develop to the fourth instar in six to eight weeks. The first and second instars are always limnetic and positively phototactic, and they develop rapidly in a few weeks. The third instar, mostly limnetic but also occurring in the sediments, is of much longer duration; the larvae can overwinter in this stage. After a variable period of up to several months, ecdysis to the fourth instar occurs; this instar is limnetic much of the time.


Indicator value

In addition to the chironomid larvae, oligochaetes, and the small clam Pisidium, another major component of the profundal zone of lakes is the phantom midge Chaoborus.

References and web URLs:





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