Distribution
     Chaoborids are cosmopolitan in distribution and well represented in both temperate and tropical climates. The current classification includes 50 species in six genera. One of the genera, Chaoborus, is widely distributed while the remaining five are regionally endemic

General Biology
     All immature chaoborids are found in lentic freshwater habitats. These habitats range in size from temporary pools and tree holes to large bodies of water. With the exception of Australomochlonyx nitidus Freeman, all chaoborid larvae capture prey with modified prehensile antennae. Variation in larval feeding habit ranges from truely planktonic, as with some species of Chaoborus, to Eucorethra underwoodi Underwood which specializes on capturing terrestrial and aerial insects that land or fall onto the surface of the water.

    Adults are often confused by nonspecialist for chironomids. They are relatively large, non-biting midges that can emerge in enormous swarms. Communities around African lakes are particularly plagued by huge clouds of emerging adults and occurrences of deaths by suffocation and severe allergic reactions have been reported. “Kungu” cakes, a food staple of local peoples, is made of the adult bodies of Chaoborus edulis