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Net wing midge (Blephariceridae)

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Taxonomic group

Blephariceridae

Diagnostic features

The Blephariceridae (or “net wing midges”) have larvae that are unlikely to be confused with any other aquatic insects. They have an almost chiton-like body form, and they are the only stream invertebrates with 6 suction discs underneath the body.

Blepharicerid larva. Image: Stephen Moore Image
Blepharicerid larva. Image: Stephen Moore
Blepharicerid larva. Suction discs under body. Image: Stephen Moore Image
Blepharicerid larva. Suction discs under body. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Blepharicerid larvae are usually found in fast-flowing, stony bottom mountain streams.

Feeding

They are grazers, feeding on the thin films of algae growing on stony streambeds.

Indicator value

  • Hard bottom: (Neocurupira] 7
  • Soft bottom: unassigned

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

Blepharicerid larvae are only expected to occur in mountain or hill country streams, where water quality is usually good. The common genus (Neocurupira] has a hard bottom tolerance value of 7 (blepharicerid larvae are not expected at soft bottom sites).