Freshwater-benthos
Guides
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.
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.