Endochironomus nigricans

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Endochironomus nigricans: //ˌɛndoʊˈkɪrənəməs ˈnɪɡrɪkænz//

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Summary

Endochironomus nigricans is a species of midge in the family Chironomidae, found primarily in North America, typically characterized by its small wing size and coloration variations between males and females.

Physical Characteristics

Wing length about 4 mm; Thorax brown to shining black; Male abdomen pale green with darker green between segments; Female abdomen darker than male; Legs and wing veins pale; Male antenna 13-segmented.

Identification Tips

Male genital features also used for identification.

Habitat

Lentic habitats, often found on or inside the leaves of living or dead macrophytes and sometimes inhabiting bottom substrates in shallow, vegetated areas.

Distribution

United States and Southern Canada.

Diet

Probably consists mainly of algae and diatoms.

Life Cycle

Larvae overwinter inside silk tubes or macrophytes.

Ecosystem Role

Common species in aquatic ecosystems as a producer and a food source for other organisms.