- More than 1000 species in North America
| Phylum: | Athropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Chironomidae |
Identification Tips:
• Elongated, narrow body with hardened head capsule
• Pairs of prolegs behind head and at and of abdomen
• Elaborate structure on head and thorax of pupae
Life History:
• Occur in all aquatic habitats
• Many are burrowers, others cling to vegetation or build cases to attach to objects
• Forage or filter feed for fine organic detritus,
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Some | Some | Most | Some | Some |
| Pollution Indicator | • High numbers of bright red type(contain hemoglobin) indicate low dissolved oxygen levels due to organic or nutrient pollution |
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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.
