Chironomidae
Guides
Ablabesmyia
Banded-leg Tanypods
Ablabesmyia is a genus of non-biting midges in the bloodworm family Chironomidae, comprising approximately 85 species distributed across multiple continents. Larvae are aquatic and frequently associated with aquatic vegetation, macrophytes, or detrital substrates in freshwater habitats. The genus is divided into four subgenera, with species documented from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and other regions. Adults are typically collected using light traps.
Ablabesmyia annulata
Ablabesmyia annulata is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1823 as Tanypus annulata. The species occurs in the Nearctic region, with documented populations in Canadian freshwater lakes including Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Marion Lake, British Columbia. Like other members of the genus, it has an aquatic larval stage with instar separation approximately following Dyar's rule. The immatures and males have been formally redescribed and illustrated in taxonomic literature.
Ablabesmyia mallochi
Ablabesmyia mallochi is a non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae. The immature stages and males were redescribed and illustrated in a 2011 revision of Canadian Ablabesmyia. It belongs to the subgenus Ablabesmyia (Ablabesmyia).
Alotanypus venustus
Alotanypus venustus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. It was originally described as Tanypus venustus by Coquillett in 1902 and later transferred to the genus Alotanypus. The species is part of the tribe Pentaneurini, a group of predatory midges whose larvae inhabit aquatic environments. As a member of Chironomidae, it is distinguished from biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) such as Culicoides species, with which it shares no close relationship despite superficial similarities in common name usage.
Benthalia
Benthalia is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, established by Lipina in 1939. The genus is currently treated as a synonym of Einfeldia in the Catalogue of Life, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision in the Chironomini tribe. Species historically placed in Benthalia are primarily benthic, inhabiting the bottom sediments of aquatic environments.
Boreoheptagyia
Boreoheptagyia is a genus of non-biting midges in the subfamily Diamesinae of the family Chironomidae. The genus was established by Brundin in 1966 and currently comprises approximately 19 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with particular concentration in mountainous areas of Europe and Asia. Species in this genus are associated with cold, well-oxygenated lotic habitats and exhibit limited dispersal capacity, resulting in restricted, often isolated geographic ranges.
Brillia
Brillia is a genus of non-biting midges in the subfamily Orthocladiinae of the family Chironomidae. The genus exhibits remarkable cryptic diversity, with DNA barcoding studies revealing 30 Barcode Index Numbers and 158 unique haplotypes across 13 described species. East Asian and North American populations show complete genetic distinctness, suggesting long-term isolation. The larvae inhabit freshwater depositional zones and serve as sensitive bioindicators for ecosystem monitoring.
Bryophaenocladius
Bryophaenocladius is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. The genus was established by Thienemann in 1934 and includes species distributed across Europe and Asia. Species have been described from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, India, and China. Recent taxonomic work has emended generic diagnoses based on newly discovered morphological characters in multiple life stages.
Cardiocladius
Cardiocladius is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. These aquatic insects are part of the diverse group of chironomid flies commonly known as bloodworms, though adults do not feed on blood. The genus was established by Jean-Jacques Kieffer in 1912. Larval stages are aquatic and contribute to freshwater food webs.
Cardiocladius fulvus
Cardiocladius fulvus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. The genus Cardiocladius comprises small, delicate midges whose larvae are typically associated with aquatic habitats. This species was described by Johannsen in 1908. Like other chironomids, adults are short-lived and do not feed; larvae are the primary feeding and growth stage.
Chasmatonotus
Chasmatonotus is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. The genus contains approximately 14 described species and exhibits a disjunct distribution spanning Japan, the Nearctic region, and Continental Asia. Adults are fully winged but non-flying, a distinctive trait among chironomids. The genus was historically considered restricted to Japan and North America until the 2023 discovery of a species in Korea.
Chasmatonotus bicolor
Chasmatonotus bicolor is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Rempel in 1937. The genus Chasmatonotus belongs to the subfamily Orthocladiinae, one of the most diverse subfamilies within Chironomidae. Larvae of this genus are typically found in aquatic environments. The specific epithet "bicolor" refers to a two-colored appearance, though detailed descriptions of this coloration pattern are not well documented in available sources.
Chironominae
non-biting midges
Chironominae is a subfamily of non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) containing over 2,000 described species across three tribes: Chironomini, Pseudochironomini, and Tanytarsini. Members are globally distributed and primarily aquatic in their immature stages. The subfamily includes economically and ecologically significant genera such as Chironomus, Polypedilum, and Tanytarsus. Adults are characterized by reduced mouthparts and do not feed; larvae are diverse in habitat specialization, ranging from freshwater lakes and rivers to marine environments and phytotelmata.
Chironomini
non-biting midges
Chironomini is a diverse tribe of non-biting midges within the family Chironomidae. Adults are mosquito-like in appearance but lack piercing mouthparts and are harmless to humans. Larvae are primarily aquatic and play significant roles in freshwater food webs. The tribe contains numerous genera distributed across multiple continents, with species occupying varied freshwater habitats from oligotrophic lakes to eutrophic waters.
Chironomus crassicaudatus
thick-tailed non-biting midge, thick-skinned midge
Chironomus crassicaudatus is a non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, described by Malloch in 1915. The species is known from the eastern United States, ranging from Texas to New York. It has been documented in a rare case of human urogenital myiasis in Kolkata, India, where larvae were found in the urine of a patient living in unhygienic conditions with shared toilet facilities. As a member of the non-biting midges, adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed on blood.
Chironomus tuberculatus
Chironomus tuberculatus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae. It was described by Townes in 1945. Like other members of the genus Chironomus, it is a small, aquatic fly with a life cycle involving egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The species is part of one of the most well-studied groups of non-biting midges, a genus comprising over 200 species.
Cladotanytarsus
Cladotanytarsus is a genus of non-biting midges (Chironomidae) containing over 80 described species with worldwide distribution, particularly diverse in the Holarctic region. The genus comprises two subgenera: Cladotanytarsus s. str. and Lenziella. Species are primarily lacustrine, with adults often associated with lake surroundings and larvae inhabiting freshwater sediments. Several species have been described from experimentally acidified lakes in North America, demonstrating tolerance to varying pH conditions. One species, C. lewisi, is a significant human allergen source in Sudan.
Coelotanypus
Coelotanypus is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. The genus contains approximately five described species. It is classified within the tribe Coelotanypodini, a group characterized by predatory larval habits. Species in this genus have been documented in the Americas, with records from Colombia and Norway.
Coelotanypus scapularis
Coelotanypus scapularis is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Loew in 1866. The species belongs to the subfamily Tanypodinae, a group of predatory midges whose larvae are aquatic. Larvae have been documented feeding on diatoms, crustaceans, oligochaetes, and other insects. The species is established in North America with 277 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Coelotanypus tricolor
Coelotanypus tricolor is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. It belongs to the tribe Coelotanypodini and was first described by Loew in 1861. As a member of the Tanypodinae, it is classified among the predatory midges rather than the filter-feeding Chironominae. The species epithet 'tricolor' suggests a three-colored appearance, though specific color pattern details are not well documented in available sources.
Corynoneura
non-biting midges
Corynoneura is a speciose genus of small, non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae. Members occur worldwide except Antarctica, inhabiting both flowing and standing freshwater across various thermal regimes. The genus has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision, with numerous species described from the Neotropical region and Oriental China in recent decades. DNA barcoding studies support the use of molecular data for species delimitation where morphology alone is insufficient.
Corynoneura lobata
Corynoneura lobata is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. First described by Edwards in 1924, this species belongs to a genus of small chironomids characterized by reduced wing venation and distinctive genitalic structures. The genus Corynoneura is taxonomically complex, with numerous species described from multiple biogeographic regions. C. lobata has documented distribution records in northern Europe.
Cricotopus
non-biting midges
Cricotopus is a large and diverse genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. Species occupy a wide range of freshwater and estuarine habitats globally, from pristine glacial streams to degraded urban waterways. Some species are specialized stem miners of aquatic plants, including C. lebetis which targets invasive hydrilla. The genus includes species with documented mutualistic relationships with cyanobacteria (Nostoc), as well as species used in biomonitoring and ecotoxicological research.
Cricotopus bicinctus
Cricotopus bicinctus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Meigen in 1818. The species is distributed across the Palearctic region, with documented records from northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, as well as Madeira Island and Hawaii. It belongs to the genus Cricotopus, a diverse group of chironomid midges commonly found in aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. The species is one of many in a genus that includes both aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults.
Cryptochironomus
non-biting midges
Cryptochironomus is a genus of non-biting midges (family Chironomidae) with over 80 described species distributed worldwide. The genus belongs to the Harnischia generic complex within the subfamily Chironominae. Larvae are aquatic and inhabit bottoms of lakes and large rivers, with some species also found in small streams. Species have been documented from North America, Europe, and Asia, including detailed studies from Lake Winnipeg, Michigan, and China.
Demeijerea brachialis
Demeijerea brachialis is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Coquillett in 1901. As a member of the tribe Chironomini, it belongs to one of the most diverse groups of aquatic insects. The genus Demeijerea is distinguished from related chironomid genera by specific morphological features of the adult male genitalia and larval structures.
Diamesa
Winter Midges, Snow Midges
Diamesa is a genus of non-biting midges in the subfamily Diamesinae of the family Chironomidae. Adults are commonly known as winter midges or snow midges due to their unusual cold-season activity. The genus exhibits remarkable cold tolerance, with adults active at sub-zero temperatures and larvae inhabiting cold, running waters. Some species display wing dimorphism, with brachypterous (short-winged) forms adapted for ground mating on snow and ice, and macropterous (fully-winged) forms that swarm in flight during spring.
Diamesa nivoriunda
winter midge, snow midge
Diamesa nivoriunda is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae. Adults are active during winter months and have been observed walking on snow during warm spells. Like other members of the genus Diamesa, this species does not feed as an adult. The larvae develop in cold, running water where they feed on organic debris. The species belongs to a group commonly referred to as "winter midges" or "snow midges" due to their cold-season activity pattern.
Diamesinae
Diamesinae is a subfamily of non-biting midges (Chironomidae) primarily associated with cold-water habitats, particularly glacial-fed streams. The subfamily includes several tribes: Diamesini, Boreoheptagyiini, Protanypini, and two fossil tribes (Cretodiamesini, Eugenodiamesini). Genera such as Diamesa are among the dominant insect colonizers of kryal habitats in alpine regions. Species delimitation in this group often requires integrative approaches combining DNA barcoding with pupal morphology, as adult males of some genera show limited morphological differentiation.
Dicrotendipes
non-biting midges
Dicrotendipes is a globally distributed genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae. The genus was established by Kieffer in 1913 and contains approximately 25 described species. Larvae of some species have been documented from lotic (flowing water) habitats in Australia, where they exhibit distinctive morphological features including unique arrangements of ventral tubules and characteristic head capsule pigmentation.
Diplocladius
Diplocladius is a genus of non-biting midges in the bloodworm family Chironomidae. It belongs to the subfamily Orthocladiinae, a diverse group of chironomid midges commonly found in aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. The genus was established by Kieffer in 1908 and contains four recognized species. These midges are part of the benthic macroinvertebrate communities of freshwater systems.
Diplocladius cultriger
Diplocladius cultriger is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. It was described by Jean-Jacques Kieffer in 1908. The species has been documented in Northern Europe, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Djalmabatista
Djalmabatista is a genus of non-biting midges (Chironomidae) established by Fittkau in 1968. The genus belongs to the subfamily Tanypodinae and tribe Procladiini. Approximately 14 species have been described. These midges are aquatic in their larval stages and are part of the diverse chironomid fauna found in freshwater habitats.
Djalmabatista pulcher
Djalmabatista pulcher is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae, tribe Procladiini. First described by Johannsen in 1908, this species belongs to a genus of predatory midges whose larvae inhabit aquatic environments. The genus Djalmabatista is part of the diverse chironomid fauna, with this particular species having documented occurrence records from Brazil (São Paulo state).
Endochironomus
Endochironomus is a genus of non-biting midges in the bloodworm family Chironomidae. The genus was established by Kieffer in 1918 and contains at least six described species distributed across Europe and North America. Members belong to the subfamily Chironominae and tribe Chironomini. As with other chironomid midges, adults do not feed and lack functional mouthparts.
Endochironomus subtendens
Endochironomus subtendens is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, originally described as Tanytarsus subtendens by Townes in 1945. The species was later transferred to the genus Endochironomus. Like other members of this genus, it is an aquatic insect with larval stages developing in freshwater habitats. The genus Endochironomus is known for larvae that construct portable cases using silk and environmental materials.
Glyptotendipes paripes
Glyptotendipes paripes is a non-biting midge (Chironomidae) with a univoltine life cycle in temperate regions. Larvae are filter-feeders that inhabit lake and pond sediments, consuming planktonic diatoms and sestonic particles. The species is known from both European and North American populations, with well-studied populations in central Florida lakes and prairie ponds. Larval distribution is strongly influenced by sediment organic content and particle size, with highest densities in fine, organic-rich sediments.
Goeldichironomus
Goeldichironomus is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, containing approximately 14 described species. The genus is distributed across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions, with records from Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. Species in this genus are notable for their short life cycles, tolerance to environmental stress, and colonization of ephemeral aquatic habitats as pioneer species. They serve as important bioindicators in water quality assessments and are widely used in laboratory toxicity studies. The type species Goeldichironomus holoprasinus has been extensively studied in laboratory conditions, completing development from egg to adult in approximately 13 days at 26°C.
Guttipelopia
Guttipelopia is a genus of non-biting midges in the subfamily Tanypodinae, family Chironomidae. The genus is distinguished by distinctive wing pigmentation patterns featuring darkened areas (guttae) on the wing membrane. Taxonomic review has clarified species boundaries, confirming the conspecificity of Nearctic G. multipunctata and Palaearctic G. guttipennis, with G. currani synonymized under the latter. The genus contains three recognized species: G. guttipennis, G. currani, and G. rosenbergi.
Hyporhygma
Hyporhygma is a genus of non-biting midges (Chironomidae) described by Reiss in 1982. As a member of this large dipteran family, adults are characterized by reduced mouthparts and aquatic larval stages. The genus is part of the diverse chironomid fauna found in freshwater habitats worldwide.
Kiefferulus
Kiefferulus is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Chironominae. Species occur in freshwater habitats across Europe, Asia, and Australia. The genus includes taxa 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.
Kiefferulus dux
Kiefferulus dux is a non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, originally described as Chironomus dux by Johannsen in 1905. The species belongs to a genus of aquatic midges whose larvae develop in freshwater habitats. Like other chironomids, adults do not feed and have reduced mouthparts.
Krenosmittia
Krenosmittia is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. The genus contains approximately 20 described species. Larvae have been documented inhabiting the hyporheic zone—the saturated interstitial spaces beneath and alongside stream beds—rather than typical surface sediments. Species occur across parts of Europe, Asia, and Russia.
Kribiodorum
Kribiodorum is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, containing six described species distributed across Africa, North America, the Neotropics, and Asia. The genus was established by Kieffer in 1921. Species have been described from diverse freshwater habitats including streams and rivers in Borneo, Namibia, Thailand, and the Amazon basin.
Labrundinia
Labrundinia is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. The genus was established by Fittkau in 1962 and is predominantly tropical in distribution, though its type species Labrundinia longipalpis exhibits an anomalous Holarctic range. Species in this genus are aquatic in their immature stages and belong to the bloodworm group of chironomids.
Larsia
Larsia is a genus of non-biting midges in the bloodworm family Chironomidae, established by Fittkau in 1962. It belongs to the subfamily Tanypodinae and tribe Pentaneurini. The genus contains at least three described species, including L. atrocincta, L. angusticornis, and L. curticalcar. Like other chironomid midges, adults do not feed and lack functional mouthparts.
Limnophyes
Limnophyes is a genus of non-biting midges (Chironomidae) in the subfamily Orthocladiinae. Species occupy diverse aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats including springs, wetlands, and leaf mines. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with some species showing global ranges, and contains approximately 40 described species. Several species exhibit specialized ecological associations, including crenophily (spring-dwelling) and commensal leaf-mining behavior.
Limnophyes fumosus
Limnophyes fumosus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. Originally described as Camptocladius fumosus by Johannsen in 1905, it was later transferred to the genus Limnophyes. The genus Limnophyes comprises small chironomids commonly associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats.
Lopescladius
A genus of non-biting midges in the subfamily Orthocladiinae, known from the Neotropics. The first record for the Piranhas-Açu River basin in northeastern Brazil was documented in 2015, expanding the known distribution of this poorly studied genus.
Macropelopiini
Macropelopiini is a tribe of non-biting midges within the subfamily Tanypodinae of family Chironomidae. Members are characterized by distinctive morphological features that distinguish them from related tribes, including specific arrangements of tergal setation in adults and thoracic horn aeropyles in pupae. The tribe includes genera such as Macropelopia, Apsectrotanypus, Psectrotanypus, and the more recently described Bilyjomyia and Chaudhuriomyia. Macropelopiini species have been documented across multiple continents including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.