Kiefferulus

Goetghebuer, 1922

Species Guides

1

Kiefferulus is a of non-biting midges in the Chironomidae, Chironominae. occur in freshwater across Europe, Asia, and Australia. The genus includes formerly treated as a subgenus of Chironomus. Larval development has been documented to take 8–12 days under laboratory conditions in at least one species.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Kiefferulus: /kiːˈfɛrʊləs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Larvae possess a distinctive hypostomial plate structure and a single pair of , distinguishing them from other 'blood worms' in the same region. Larvae of different vary in average full-grown length, blood gill length, and presence of a feeding brush. exhibit in wing length, with females typically larger than males.

Habitat

Freshwater environments.

Distribution

Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden); India (Kolkata); Australia (Victoria); Taiwan; Japan.

Life Cycle

Complete . In K. calligaster, larval development from first instar to takes 8–12 days under laboratory conditions. decreases with longer developmental time.

Behavior

Larvae construct tubes.

Similar Taxa

  • ChironomusKiefferulus was formerly treated as a subgenus of Chironomus; separation based on larval hypostomial plate structure and single pair of .

Tags

Sources and further reading