Dixidae (family) (Meniscus midges)

ADULTS: small flies, closely resembling mosquitoes

LARVAE: up to 6mm in length, found in wetlands, still water, and the edge of dams. They are uncommon. Distinguished from mosquito (CULICIDAE) larvae by the fact that they never dive away from the water surface, and their bodies alternately bend into a 'U' shape, and then straighten ... hence their common name: 'U' bend midges