Non-biting-midge
Guides
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 cinctipes
Ablabesmyia cinctipes is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, order Diptera. The species was described by Johannsen in 1946. Chironomidae is a large family of aquatic insects whose larvae inhabit diverse freshwater environments. Adults are generally short-lived and do not feed.
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.
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.
Chaoborus maculipes
phantom midge
Chaoborus maculipes is a species of phantom midge in the family Chaoboridae, described by Stone in 1965. Phantom midges are small, delicate flies whose larvae are aquatic predators known for their transparent bodies. The species name "maculipes" refers to spotted legs. Like other Chaoborus species, adults are typically non-feeding and short-lived, with most of the life cycle spent in larval form in freshwater habitats.
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.
Chironomus atrella
Chironomus atrella is a non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, studied primarily through cytogenetic analysis of its polytene chromosomes. Research has clarified taxonomic confusion surrounding this name, which had been applied to at least two distinct species. Populations across North America show moderate to high chromosomal polymorphism, with heterozygosity ranging from 0.36 to 0.92 in different habitats. The species has been documented in both shallow freshwater environments and tidal coves.
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 dilutus
Chironomus dilutus is a freshwater non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, described in 1999. The species has become a standard test organism in aquatic toxicology, particularly for chronic toxicity assessments of sediment-associated contaminants including pyrethroids, fluorotelomer acids, selenium, and microplastics. Laboratory studies demonstrate its sensitivity to various organic pollutants, with emergence and reproduction serving as key toxicological endpoints. The species is used in regulatory testing protocols for evaluating ecological risks of hydrophobic contaminants in freshwater systems.
Chironomus melanescens
Chironomus melanescens is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, described by Keyl in 1961. Like other members of the genus Chironomus, it is a holometabolous insect with aquatic larval stages. The species is part of one of the most well-studied groups of non-biting midges, though specific biological details for this particular species remain limited in available sources.
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.
Clunio californiensis
Clunio californiensis is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Hashimoto in 1974. The genus Clunio is notable for its marine and intertidal habitat associations, with several species exhibiting specialized adaptations to life in coastal environments. As a member of the subfamily Orthocladiinae, this species is part of a diverse group of chironomids often found in challenging aquatic habitats.
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 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 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.
Demeijerea
Demeijerea is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Chironominae. The genus was established by Kruseman in 1933 and contains four described species. Members of this genus are found in Europe, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other chironomids, the larvae are aquatic and the adults do not feed.
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 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.
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.
Dixella dorsalis
Dixella dorsalis is a species of midge in the family Dixidae, described by Garrett in 1924. Dixidae, commonly known as meniscus midges or dixid midges, are small non-biting flies closely related to mosquitoes (Culicidae). Larvae of this family are aquatic, typically inhabiting the surface film of standing water where they feed on microorganisms. The family is relatively small and understudied, with most species poorly known beyond basic taxonomic descriptions.
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).
Einfeldia
non-biting midges
Einfeldia is a genus of non-biting midges in the subfamily Chironominae, tribe Chironomini, within the bloodworm family Chironomidae. The genus was established by Kieffer in 1924 and contains approximately 11 described species distributed across Europe, North America, and other regions. At least one species, E. synchrona, has been studied in detail and exhibits univoltine life history with synchronized adult emergence.
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.
Eucorethra underwoodi
Eucorethra underwoodi is a species of phantom midge in the family Chaoboridae, described by Underwood in 1903. As a member of this family, it belongs to a group of non-biting midges known for their aquatic larvae and transparent, reduced mouthparts in adults. The genus Eucorethra is a distinctive lineage within Chaoboridae. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature.
Flexamia huroni
Huron River Leafhopper
Flexamia huroni is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Bess & Hamilton in 1999. It belongs to the genus Flexamia, a group of leafhoppers known for their specialized host plant associations with grasses. The species is named after the Huron River in Michigan, where it was first collected. Like other members of the genus, it likely exhibits strong ecological dependence on specific grass host plants.
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lobal-biodiversity-information-facilityesbiodiversity-image-portalspanish-collectionstype-specimenlichenantarcticabernensisliyellowstoneGlyptotendipes 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 carus
Goeldichironomus carus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae. The species was described by Townes in 1945. It belongs to the tribe Chironomini within the subfamily Chironominae. As with other members of this genus, it is likely associated with freshwater aquatic habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Metriocnemus eurynotus
A small non-biting midge (Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) with larvae that feed on herbaceous plant material. The species has been documented as a leafminer of Impatiens cotyledons, initially mining fresh tissue before transitioning to external feeding. Larvae have also been found feeding within abandoned mines of Metriocnemus erythranthei on Veronica and on Petasites leaves. The species occurs across northern Europe and has been recorded from North America.
Omisus pica
Omisus pica is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Townes in 1945. The genus Omisus belongs to the tribe Chironomini within the subfamily Chironominae. As with other chironomid midges, this species likely has an aquatic larval stage and terrestrial adult stage, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The species is known from very few records, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist and no distribution records in GBIF.
Orthocladius
Orthocladius is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae. Larvae are aquatic and construct silk tubes that serve as microhabitats for associated microbial communities. The genus includes species adapted to diverse freshwater environments, including streams and hygropetric habitats.
Parachironomus
Parachironomus is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Chironominae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with approximately 85 valid species worldwide. Some species are free-living aquatic larvae, while others are endoparasites of freshwater snails. Species have been recorded from diverse habitats including standing and flowing waters, soft sediments, aquatic macrophytes, and artificial urban waterbodies.
Paratendipes albimanus
Paratendipes albimanus is a non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, found in freshwater habitats across Europe and North America. The species has been studied for its life history and growth patterns in Michigan headwater streams. As a member of the Chironomidae, it completes its larval development in aquatic environments before emerging as an adult.
Phaenopsectra flavipes
Phaenopsectra flavipes is a non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae. It occurs across the Palearctic region, with records from Scandinavia, Denmark, and Slovakia. The species has been documented in pond habitats. As with other chironomids, adults are short-lived and do not feed.
Phaenopsectra obediens
Phaenopsectra obediens is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Johannsen in 1905. It belongs to the tribe Chironomini within the subfamily Chironominae. The species has been documented in iNaturalist with 91 observations, indicating it is encountered with some frequency by naturalists.
Phaenopsectra profusa
Phaenopsectra profusa is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, described by Townes in 1945. It belongs to the tribe Chironomini within the subfamily Chironominae. The species is rarely recorded, with limited observational data available.
Phaenopsectra punctipes
Phaenopsectra punctipes is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Christian Rudolph Wilhelm Wiedemann in 1817. It belongs to the subfamily Chironominae and tribe Chironomini. The species is recorded from Europe, with confirmed presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden based on distribution records.
Polypedilum fallax
Polypedilum fallax is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, originally described by Johannsen in 1905. The species is part of the large and diverse genus Polypedilum, which contains numerous species often difficult to distinguish morphologically. Records of this species exist from Norway and Sweden, though some Swedish records are marked as doubtful. The species is known from 145 observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it is moderately documented but not extensively studied.
Polypedilum illinoense
Polypedilum illinoense is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, originally described by Malloch in 1915 from Illinois. As a member of the large genus Polypedilum, it is part of a diverse group of aquatic insects whose larvae inhabit freshwater environments. The species is known from observational records across North America, though detailed biological studies remain limited. Adults are small, delicate flies that do not feed, while larvae are aquatic detritivores.
Polypedilum ontario
Polypedilum ontario is a non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, described by Walley in 1926. As a member of the genus Polypedilum, it belongs to one of the most diverse and widespread genera of chironomid midges. The species name reflects its type locality in Ontario, Canada. Like other chironomids, its larvae are aquatic and serve as important indicators of water quality in freshwater ecosystems.
Polypedilum trigonus
Polypedilum trigonus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, order Diptera. As a member of the genus Polypedilum, it belongs to a diverse group of aquatic insects whose larvae are commonly found in various freshwater habitats. The species epithet "trigonus" (Greek for "triangular") likely refers to a morphological feature of the adult or larva. Chironomid larvae are important components of aquatic food webs and are widely used as bioindicators of water quality.
Procladius
Procladius is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. Larvae are predatory and inhabit freshwater benthic environments including lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands. The genus exhibits considerable species diversity with over 50 described species distributed across the Holarctic and other regions. Some species have adapted to fluctuating water levels in reservoir environments.
Procladius bellus
Procladius bellus is a non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Loew in 1866. It inhabits freshwater systems, particularly reservoirs with fluctuating water levels. Research in Laurel Creek Reservoir, Ontario, documented its ability to survive winter drawdown periods and complete three generations annually under favorable conditions.