Chironomidae

True midges

Unmistakable midges; the males have complicated, plumose antennae. The larvae are aquatic, generally feeding on detritus. A number of species make tunnels in submerged, mostly more or less decaying parts of aquatic plants. These tunnels are open at both ends, and the larvae maintain a current that brings them food particles. Because they do not feed on living plant tissue they cannot be considered miners, and they are not dealt with here. They are keyed out by Hering (1957a). Eventual users of that keys should realise that Chironomidae systematics has undergone large changes in the last fifty years.

Cricototopus brevipalpis forms an exception to what is said above. This species is a real leaf miner, feeding on living plant tissue (Hering, 1957a).

references

Gripekoven (1914a), Hering (1957a), Richards & Davies (1977a).

26/11/2014

True midges

Unmistakable midges; the males have complicated, plumose antennae. The larvae are aquatic, generally feeding on detritus. A number of species make tunnels in submerged, mostly more or less decaying parts of aquatic plants. These tunnels are open at both ends, and the larvae maintain a current that brings them food particles. Because they do not feed on living plant tissue they cannot be considered miners, and they are not dealt with here. They are keyed out by Hering (1957a). Eventual users of that keys should realise that Chironomidae systematics has undergone large changes in the last fifty years.

Cricototopus brevipalpis forms an exception to what is said above. This species is a real leaf miner, feeding on living plant tissue (Hering, 1957a).

references

Gripekoven (1914a), Hering (1957a), Richards & Davies (1977a).

26/11/2014