Endochironomus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Culicomorpha
Family: Chironomidae
Subfamily: Chironominae
Tribe: Chironomini
Genus: Endochironomus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Endochironomus: /ˌɛndoʊˌkaɪrəˈnoʊməs/

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Summary

Endochironomus is a genus of midges in the family Chironomidae, including E. nigricans, the most common species, with around 20 species globally, primarily in North America.

Physical Characteristics

Males have a unique beard on the fore tarsi and the wings lack hairs on the membrane. Tergite 8 of males is not triangular, a distinct characteristic separating it from Polypedilum.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from closely related genera by the beard on the male fore tarsi and the absence of hairs on the wing membrane.

Habitat

Larvae are associated with aquatic macrophytes, often found inside the leaves of plants such as Sagittaria and Typha.

Distribution

Primarily found in North America; three named species are known in the Nearctic region, along with at least two undescribed species.