Other Common Names
Non-biting Midges, Blind Mosquitoes
Numbers
Arnett
(1) lists 817 North American species in 139 genera.
Size
1-10 mm, a few larger, 13 mm or more?
Identification
Small, delicate flies, resemble mosquitoes but do not bite. Often "dance" in large swarms over water or lawns. Males have long, feathery (plumose) antennae.
Habitat
Usually damp areas, or near bodies of fresh water.
Larvae of most midges are aquatic; a few occur in decaying matter, under bark or in moist ground. Most of them are scavengers. Many of the aquatic forms live in tubes or cases.
Season
Early spring through fall in temperate areas.
Life Cycle
Larvae are mostly aquatic, many living in tubes in soft mud; they are filter feeders. Others are leaf-miners of aquatic plants.
Remarks
Red larvae of genus Chironomus are called "bloodworms". Their blood contains hemoglobin, unusual for insects.
Larvae are often very abundant and are an important food item for many fresh water fish and other aquatic animals.
Green Midges, Tanytarsus, may be distinctive, photo TBA.
Guide TBA--PC (Tanytarsus)
Print References
Swan and Papp, p. 596
(2)
Borror and White, p. 268
(3)
Milne, pp. 645-646, fig. 379--Green Midges, Tanytarsus
(5)
Contributed by
Cotinis on 6 April, 2004 - 11:11pm
Additional contributions by
Beatriz MoissetLast updated 14 April, 2008 - 8:44pm
