They are found in very large numbers in spring and summer. They hatch out into tiny non-biting midge flies which swarm over the lakes on summer evenings. They are food for many of the fish and other large carnivores in the lake.

Phantom Midge Larva Scientific Name: Charborus species
Group: Insect
Size:10mm
Phantom midge larvae are transparent. They have large mouthparts and eyes. They are filter feeders using their brush-like mouth parts. The spotted parts are swim bladders, which help them to float.

Food chain
Position in food chain:
Secondary consumer
(carnivore)
They eat
Daphnia and Cyclops
They are eaten by:
Water spiders

Life cycle
The larvae pupate and grow into non-biting flying midges. The females then lay their eggs in jelly like disks on the surface of the water. The larvae hatch out into the water and wriggle about!

Canterbury Environmental Education Centre