The Dixidae (meniscus midges) are a family of aquatic nematoceran flies (Diptera). The larvae live in unpolluted, standing fresh waters, just beneath the surface film, usually amongst marginal aquatic vegetation. [2][3] They are found in all continents except Antarctica. For terms see Morphology of Diptera.

Dec 25, 2014 · Larva: aquatic, eucephalic, with several distinctive features (crowns, combs, terminal complex) widely used in identification of species groups; individuals rest in characteristic U-shaped position at water meniscus

Jan 1, 2018 · Dixidae immature stages occur in margins of water bodies, as swamps, streams, rivers, lakes, and bromeliads. Larvae are cylindrical and assume a U-shape at rest position in the meniscus at the water surface. The family is poorly known worldwide, but the situation is even worse in Neotropics.

Aug 8, 2017 · Larvae of Meringodixa and Dixella occur in calm waters, while those of Dixa are found in flowing reaches of streams of varying size. Larvae are often associated with streamside vegetation upon which they rest. Aquatic habitats sampled during 2011 were of high quality and most contained dixids.

Dixid larvae are collector-gatherers and possibly filterers, feeding on fine particulate organic matter (FPOM, particles <103 microns across) (Merritt and Cummins 1984) . Larvae feed mostly at the water's surface, using the labral brushes (figs. 1-3) to produce water currents carrying food to the mouth (Peters 1981). Larger larvae are also known to

Jul 19, 2020 · Dixid larvae are elongate and cylindrical, with a distinct, strongly sclerotized head capsule, distinct thoracic and abdominal segments, paired abdominal prolegs and strongly sclerotized terminal respiratory apparatus and caudal structures (Figs. 1-12).

hydrophilic and hydrophobic structures of larvae in the genus Dixa has been studied by Suzuki et al. 2021. The size of the larvae differs, and is dependent both of instar, food quality, the growth during the separate instars, and of species. Measurements of the head can be plotted and will separate the instars from each other (Håland 2009).

larvae prefer running water, whereas larvae of Dixella species live in stagnant water

Larvae: Aquatic, living in shallow water, usually in leaf litter or soil. They exhibit a characteristic "U" or "meniscus" posture. Pupa: Transitional stage occurring in water or moist habitats. Adult: Emerges from the pupa and lives for a relatively short period.

The larvae of Dixa prefer running waters, while those of Dixella Dyar & Shannon, 1924 live in stagnant waters. The adults are poor fliers and can be found near the larval habitat.