Ghost Midge (non-biting midge)

Larvae are aquatic, found in ponds, lakes, and other slow-moving freshwater bodies. Adults are terrestrial but typically stay near their aquatic breeding sites.

Adult ghost midges do not feed, as their mouthparts are vestigial or greatly reduced. Larvae are predatory, feeding on zooplankton and other small aquatic invertebrates.

Larvae are transparent and often referred to as 'glassworms' or 'phantom midges' due to their nearly invisible nature in water. They exhibit a distinct vertical migration in the water column, moving up at night to feed and down during the day to avoid predators. Adult ghost midges are short-lived and are often seen in large swarms, particularly around dusk.

Ghost midges pose no direct risks to humans as they do not bite or transmit diseases. Their larvae are an important part of aquatic food webs, serving as a food source for fish and other aquatic predators. As adults, they are a food source for birds, bats, and other insectivorous animals. They can be a nuisance when swarming in large numbers, but this is typically harmless.