(including Corethrellidae)

Phantom midges

Code QD059999

Chaoboridae larvae are recognised by their mouthparts (prehensile antennae) and the frequent presence of an air sac in the thorax and posterior abdomen. They closely resemble mosquitoes (Culicidae), to which they are related.

In their behaviour, larval Chaoborids are unusual - they are planktonic predators. The exception is Australomochlonyx nitidus , which is a filter feeder. Larval densities can be very high, and therefore adults can be very numerous, especially around northern billabongs.

The genus Corethrella has been raised to family status (Corethrellidae) by Borkent but Colless (1986) has retained it within Chaoboridae. All species live in phytotelmata, such as leaf axils, tree holes etc., where they are predatory on zooplankton.

Reference:

Colless, D.H. (1986) The Australian Chaoboridae. Australian Journal of Zoology Supplement 124 : 1-66.

Checklist to the Australian species of Chaoboridae

Australomochlonyx Freeman.

Australomochlonyx nitidus Freeman. Vic, NSW.

Promochlonyx Edwards.

Promochlonyx australiensis Ferguson. Vic, NSW, Qld, WA.

Chaoborus Lichtenstein.

Chaoborus longicercus Colless. NT, Qld, WA.

Chaoborus ornatipennis Colless. NSW, ACT, Qld, Vic.

Chaoborus punctilliger Colless. NT, Qld, WA.

Chaoborus queenslandensis Theobald. Qld, NSW, NT.

Chaoborus vagus Colless. SA, ACT, NSW, Qld, Tas.

Corethrella Coquillett.

Corethrella marksae Colless. NSW, Qld, Vic.