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The Chaoboridae Family: Phantom Midges

Centroptilum sp.

a.

b.

• Common Name: Phantom Midges
• Identifying Feature: Centroptilum sp. is identified by its translucsent properties.
• Time of Year Found: All Year
• Size of Mature Adult: 10mm
• Habitat: Slow moving, open water
• Other Information: The air bladders (the golden-colored structures in the thorax and abdomen) allow the phantom midge to float hydrostatically in the water. This means that this genus can float in the water when resting without rising or sinking.
• Figures:

  a. Mature larva

  b. Mature larva