Phantom Midge vs Palpares Antlion
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Phantom Midge | Palpares Antlion |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chaoborus crystallinus | Palpares immensus |
| Order | Diptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Chaoboridae | Myrmeleontidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 100-140 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Southern Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Phantom Midge
A nearly transparent midge whose larvae are planktonic predators in lakes. Larvae migrate vertically in the water column daily to avoid fish predation.
Did You Know?
Its glass-clear larvae are almost invisible in water, earning the common name glassworm.
Palpares Antlion
An enormous antlion from sub-Saharan Africa with strikingly patterned wings. Among the largest flying neuropterans on the continent.
Did You Know?
Its wingspan can reach 14 cm, rivaling some small dragonflies in size.