Chaoboridae

Chaoboridae, commonly known as phantom midges or glassworms, is a family of fairly common midges with a cosmopolitan distribution. They are closely related to the Corethrellidae and Chironomidae, and adults can be distinguished by specific features of their wing venation. The family includes approximately 55 aquatic species distributed across about six genera.

Adult phantom midges, if they feed at all, primarily consume nectar. The larvae are aquatic and notable for their unique feeding strategy: the antennae are modified into grasping organs, somewhat resembling the raptorial arms of a mantis, which they use to capture prey. They primarily feed on small insects, such as mosquito larvae, and crustaceans, including Daphnia. The antennae impale or crush the prey before bringing it to the larval mouth, or stylet.

Larvae swim actively and sometimes form large swarms in their lacustrine habitats.