Meniscus midges

Code QD069999

Larval Dixidae are easily recognisable in life by their "U"-shaped posture on the surface film of standing and marginal flowing waters (hence the common name of "meniscus midges").

When preserved, there is a strong resemblance to some mosquitoes (to which they are related), but they are easily differentiated by the circlets of hairs on several dorsal abdominal segments.

Dixid eggs are laid in masses at the edge of water bodies. The larvae feed by filtering fine particles from the surface film, using sweeping movements of the labral brushes. They will move into the hygropetric (madicolous) zone, crawling in their "U"-shape in surface films of rocks.

There has been little study of the Australian Dixidae and any life history information would be welcome.

Checklist to the Australian freshwater species of Dixidae

Dixella Dyar & Shannon.

Dixella humeralis Tonnoir. NSW.

Dixella nicholsoni Tonnoir. NSW.

Dixella tasmaniensis Tonnoir. Tas.

Dixella unipunctata Tonnoir. Tas.

Nothodixa Edwards.

Nothodixa flavicollis Tonnoir. Vic.

Nothodixa geniculata Tonnoir. Tas.