Zooplankton-predator
Guides
Chaoboridae
phantom midges, glassworms
Chaoboridae, known as phantom midges or glassworms, is a family of aquatic midges with cosmopolitan distribution. The family comprises approximately 55–90 species across six genera, including the widespread Chaoborus and the endemic Australian genera Promochlonyx and Australomochlonyx. Adults are delicate, chironomid-like flies distinguished by wing venation and plumose male antennae. Larvae are nearly transparent aquatic predators with modified raptorial antennae used to capture prey.
Chaoborus flavicans
phantom midge
Chaoborus flavicans is a phantom midge (Diptera: Chaoboridae) whose larval stages are important aquatic predators in lake ecosystems. Recent taxonomic revision indicates it represents a complex of at least four species, with C. flavicans sensu stricto primarily inhabiting lakes across the Holarctic region. Larvae are notable for their diel vertical migration behavior, which changes ontogenetically and serves as a predator avoidance mechanism against fish predation.
Chaoborus trivittatus
phantom midge
Chaoborus trivittatus is a species of phantom midge, a non-biting fly in the family Chaoboridae. The larvae are aquatic predators in lake ecosystems, notable for their diel vertical migration between deep daytime refuges and surface feeding zones. Unlike the congeneric C. americanus, C. trivittatus has a two-year life cycle with extended fourth-instar development. Adults are short-lived and non-feeding.
Trichocorixa
water boatmen
Trichocorixa is a genus of water boatmen in the family Corixidae comprising approximately 14 described species. Members of this genus are notable for their exceptional tolerance of saline and hypersaline habitats, ranging from brackish coastal marshes to salt ponds with salinities exceeding 150‰. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges, with documented ecological impacts through predation on brine shrimp and other zooplankton. The genus exhibits complex life history adaptations including staggered egg hatching, salinity-dependent embryonic development, and overwintering strategies that vary among species and populations.