Diatom-feeder
Guides
Blepharicera
net-winged midge
The genus Blepharicera Macquart, 1843 comprises net-winged midges in the family Blephariceridae, with approximately 60 species worldwide and 12 known species in China. It is the most species-rich blepharicerid genus in China, concentrated in Southwest China. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation with net-like patterns of folds and transversely divided compound eyes. Recent taxonomic work has expanded knowledge through DNA barcoding and descriptions of new species from China and North America.
Blephariceridae
Net-winged Midges
Blephariceridae, or net-winged midges, are a family of nematoceran flies distinguished by wings with a distinctive network of fissures and folds resembling cracked glass. Adults superficially resemble crane flies but differ in wing shape, head structure, and leg posture. Larvae are specialized inhabitants of torrential streams, possessing six ventral suckers that enable attachment to rocks in flows exceeding 2 m/s. The family contains over 200 species across dozens of genera worldwide, with highest diversity in mountainous regions. Larvae are ecologically significant as diatom grazers in lotic ecosystems.
Ilythea spilota
shore fly
Ilythea spilota is a Holarctic shore fly in the family Ephydridae. Adults are found along shorelines of small streams. Larvae feed on pinnate diatoms and construct protective cases from sand grains and detritus.
Petrophila canadensis
Canadian petrophila moth, Canadian Petrophila
A small aquatic moth in the family Crambidae, described by Eugene G. Munroe in 1972. Adults have a wingspan of 11–18 mm and are active from May to September with two generations per year. The species is notable for its fully aquatic larval stage, which feeds on diatoms and algae in freshwater habitats. It overwinters as an adult.
Pseudochironomus richardsoni
A non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, first described by Malloch in 1915. Laboratory studies demonstrate strong phenotypic plasticity in growth and development in response to food quality and thermal conditions. The species exhibits compensatory growth capacity, maintaining development rates under thermal stress when high-quality food is available.