The Meniscus Midge is a very common insect but we just tend to not see the interesting creatures. If you were to see this amazing creature you would probably be able to tell it apart from any other flying insect.  As an adult its body will appear this way; it will go from yellowish to a dark brown, it has wings without scales, and has an antennae with sparse hairs.  You can find these creatures in all continents except Antarctica, in our area they are found in mostly the northern parts because they are not widespread.  Adults are poor fliers so they can be found close by larval habitats resting on emergent or overhanging vegetation.  Larvae lie in the meniscus or crawl out of the water on rocks, moss, or emergent vegetation.  Dixella larvae can be found in stagnant water; Dixa prefer running water.  The adult midges do not feed, but the larvae are filter feeders.

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Author: Ethan C.
Published: 2/13

Sources: Bug Guide

Photo credit:

http://www.spessart-fliegen.de/diptera/dixidae/dixa/dixa_nebulosa/6/6.html