Australian Thaumaleus [Thaumaleus australasiae]
Description
This species of net-winged midge is native to Australia. It is typically found in freshwater bodies throughout the country, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin. The larvae of Thaumaleus australasiae are aquatic and have a unique net-like structure on their wings for capturing food particles from the water. The adults are terrestrial and can often be seen flying near the water bodies where the larvae live.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Monstrilloida
Monstrilloida
|
| Family |
Monstrilloids
Monstrillidae
|
| Genus |
Thaumaleus
Thaumaleus
|