Chaoborids

Chaoborids, commonly known as phantom midges or glassworms, are a family of non-biting midges belonging to the order Diptera. They are found worldwide, inhabiting freshwater environments such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. The most distinctive feature of chaoborids is their larval stage, which is transparent and possesses a pair of air sacs that act as hydrostatic organs, allowing them to control their buoyancy. This transparency serves as a form of camouflage, making them difficult for predators to detect.

Chaoborid larvae are predatory, feeding on small zooplankton like copepods and cladocerans, as well as other small invertebrates. They are important components of aquatic food webs, serving as a food source for fish and other larger organisms. The larval stage can last for several months, depending on temperature and food availability. When ready to pupate, the larva develops air sacs that become more prominent.

The adult chaoborid midge is typically small and delicate, with long legs and antennae. Unlike their closer relatives, the culicid mosquitoes, adult chaoborids do not feed on blood and are therefore harmless to humans. Their primary purpose is reproduction. They are often seen swarming near water bodies, especially at dusk. The life cycle is generally completed within a year, with adults emerging from pupae that float at the water surface.