A Very Brief Intro
Chironomidae, also known as blood worms or non-biting midges are diverse group of primitive insects that belong to the order Diptera. Because of their long tread-like antennae (visible in males) they are placed in sub-order Nematocera (i.e., thread-horns). They are related to Simuliids (blackflies), Ceratopogonids (biting-midges) and Thaumaleids (solitary-midges).
Chironomidae are also group of Insects known as Holometabolous. This means that they go through full metamorphosis which is egg to larvae to pupa and to adults. Majority of Chironomidae live in freshwater of various kinds, as egg, larval, and pupal stages of their life. Aadults have a very short terrestrial life.
Eggs have a gelatinous protective layer and are usually in bundles of various forms. Eggs are deposited on water surface. Larva go through 4 stages of growth known as instar. First larval instars are usually planktonic and then they swim down as second instars to the water substrates, hence the name benthic. In the last stages of their 4th instars, signs of pupa development can be seen (i.e., puparium). These include development of thoracic horn and wing-pads. Most chironomid pupae are case-free, with some exceptions. Both Chironomidae larva and pupa are capable of producing silk from their saliva and many larvae are capable of constructing cocoons. Pupae stages are usually short-lived, few hours to few days. Adults usually mate in the air while swarming; however, mating can also occur on the ground.
Chironomidae are also group of Insects known as Holometabolous. This means that they go through full metamorphosis which is egg to larvae to pupa and to adults. Majority of Chironomidae live in freshwater of various kinds, as egg, larval, and pupal stages of their life. Aadults have a very short terrestrial life.
Eggs have a gelatinous protective layer and are usually in bundles of various forms. Eggs are deposited on water surface. Larva go through 4 stages of growth known as instar. First larval instars are usually planktonic and then they swim down as second instars to the water substrates, hence the name benthic. In the last stages of their 4th instars, signs of pupa development can be seen (i.e., puparium). These include development of thoracic horn and wing-pads. Most chironomid pupae are case-free, with some exceptions. Both Chironomidae larva and pupa are capable of producing silk from their saliva and many larvae are capable of constructing cocoons. Pupae stages are usually short-lived, few hours to few days. Adults usually mate in the air while swarming; however, mating can also occur on the ground.