Axarus

Roback, 1980

Species Guides

1

Axarus is a of non-biting midges (Chironomidae) established by Roback in 1980, originally described as a subgenus of Xenochironomus before elevation to generic status. The genus exhibits a broad geographic distribution spanning the Holarctic, Neotropics, and Australasia. Connecticut River of two undescribed species have been extensively studied due to their specialized larval requirements and notable chromosomal characteristics.

Axarus by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.Axarus festivus by (c) Chris O'Donoghue, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Chris O'Donoghue. Used under a CC-BY license.Axarus festivus by (c) Randy A Nonenmacher, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Randy A Nonenmacher. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Axarus: /ˈaksarʊs/

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Images

Habitat

Larvae inhabit specific substrate types including varve clay and, in some , rotting wood. Connecticut River populations are restricted to eroding clay substrates.

Distribution

Holarctic, Neotropics, and Australasia. Nearctic records include five described : A. dorneri, A. festivus, A. rogersi, A. scopula, and A. taenionotus. Additional species documented from Brazilian Amazon (A. cordiformis), Brazil (A. globosus, A. intervales, A. diabolicus), and China (A. fungorum).

Similar Taxa

  • XenochironomusAxarus was originally erected as a subgenus (Anceus) of Xenochironomus before being renamed and elevated to generic status.

Sources and further reading