Tanypodinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Culicomorpha
Family: Chironomidae
Subfamily: Tanypodinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tanypodinae: //ˌtænɪˈpɒdɪniː//

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

Images

Coelotanypus concinnus - inat 56858952 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Coelotanypus concinnus - inat 56858945 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Chironomous Midge - Coelotanypus scapularis, Woodbridge, Virginia - 15025976678 by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Chironomous Midge - Coelotanypus scapularis, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Psectrotanypus dyari 7174639 by Mark. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Psectrotanypus dyari P1170501a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Tanypodinae is a subfamily of non-biting midges (Chironomidae) characterized by specific wing vein structures and carnivorous larvae, contributing to ecosystem dynamics as predators of small invertebrates.

Physical Characteristics

Generally less than 5mm in size. Wing veins are distinct, with R2 branching off R1, and M-Cu crossvein present. Females have antennae with more than ten segments. Larvae have retractile antennae and unique head structures. They may have longer heads, prolegs, and a fringe of long hairs along the sides of the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Look for distinctive wing vein structures: R2 branching off R1 and the presence of an M-Cu crossvein. In adults, the hairy wings and usually non-extended costal vein past the last branch of R are distinguishing features.

Habitat

Found in aquatic environments suitable for larval development, often in still or slow-moving waters.

Distribution

Approximately 150 species in North America, with seven tribes worldwide and six in North America.

Diet

Primarily carnivorous as larvae, predating on small invertebrates, including other chironomid larvae, while 1st and 2nd instar larvae may feed on algae.

Life Cycle

Life cycle stages include egg, larval, pupal, and adult phases. Larvae are usually the longest developmental stage.

Reproduction

Information on specific reproductive habits not detailed, but usually involves aquatic eggs laid by females.

Predators

Predatory larvae may be preyed upon by larger aquatic invertebrates and fish.

Ecosystem Role

As predators in aquatic ecosystems, they help control populations of small invertebrates.

Collecting Methods

Light trapping
Aquatic net collection

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation
Drying for morphological studies

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for biting midges, but they are non-biting.