Non-biting-midges
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.
Allarete
Allarete is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Arthur Earl Pritchard in 1951. The genus comprises twelve described species distributed across the Holarctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental biogeographic regions. Species have been documented from Africa, India, and temperate northern regions.
Androprosopa
Androprosopa is a genus of small non-biting midges in the family Thaumaleidae (Diptera). The western Nearctic fauna includes 25 species, with three species described in 2021. Species are distinguished primarily by male genitalic morphology. The genus belongs to a small family of Diptera associated with cool, moist environments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eucorethra
phantom midges
Eucorethra is a monotypic genus of phantom midges in the family Chaoboridae, containing the single species Eucorethra underwoodi. This genus belongs to a family of non-biting midges known for their distinctive aquatic larvae. The genus was established by Underwood in 1903.
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.
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.
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.
Lestremia
Lestremia is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by French entomologist Pierre-Justin-Marie Macquart in 1826. The genus contains 18 described species distributed across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Species in this genus are placed in the subfamily Lestremiinae and tribe Lestremiini. The genus includes both extant species and fossil species known from Eocene amber.
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.
Micropsectra
non-biting midges
Micropsectra is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, tribe Tanytarsini, described by Kieffer in 1909. The genus contains over 170 described species, though taxonomic revision indicates approximately 83 valid species with many former species reassigned to other genera. Species are primarily distributed across the Holarctic region, with most occurring in the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions and limited representation in the northern Oriental region. The genus forms part of the Micropsectra series, a monophyletic group within Tanytarsini that includes Rheotanytarsus, Parapsectra, Krenopsectra, and Paratanytarsus.
Microtendipes
non-biting midges
Microtendipes is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae comprising over 60 species with nearly worldwide distribution. Adult males are distinguished by one or two rows of stout proximally directed setae on the fore femur. The genus is divided into two species groups based on larval characteristics. Species delimitation has been historically challenging due to color pattern variations, but DNA barcoding has proven effective for identification.
Natarsia
Natarsia is a genus of non-biting midges in the bloodworm family Chironomidae, established by Fittkau in 1962. It is the sole genus in the monotypic tribe Natarsiini within the subfamily Tanypodinae. The genus contains six described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Members are aquatic insects with larvae that develop in freshwater habitats.
Parachaetocladius
non-biting midges
Parachaetocladius is a genus of non-biting midges in the subfamily Orthocladiinae of the family Chironomidae, established by Wolfgang Wülker in 1959 and revised in 2020. The genus contains approximately 10 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, including both Palaearctic and Nearctic representatives. Species are typically associated with lotic freshwater habitats, particularly sandy substrates in springs and groundwater-fed streams. The genus is distinguished from related orthocladiine genera primarily through adult male genitalic characters, particularly features of the hypopygium.
Parametriocnemus
Parametriocnemus is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring on all continents except Antarctica. It was established by Goetghebuer in 1931. Species-level identification of adult males in the Nearctic region requires examination of genitalia and other morphological features detailed in specialized taxonomic keys.
Paraphaenocladius
non-biting midges
Paraphaenocladius is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. Originally described from Europe, the genus has since been documented in the Neotropical region, with records from Costa Rica, Brazil, and other Central and South American localities. Species in this genus are associated with aquatic and semi-terrestrial habitats, particularly springs and mossy margins.
Paratendipes
non-biting midges
Paratendipes is a widespread genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, established by Kieffer in 1911. The genus belongs to the 'Microtendipes' group within tribe Chironomini. Species occur in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Larvae are aquatic and inhabit freshwater systems. Adult males possess distinctive genitalic structures useful for species identification.
Pentaneura
Pentaneura is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. These aquatic insects are members of the tribe Pentaneurini and are found in freshwater habitats. The genus was established by Philippi in 1865 and contains predatory species whose larvae inhabit various aquatic environments.
Polypedilum
Polypedilum is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Chironominae. It is probably the most species-rich genus among all chironomid midges. Larvae are frequently abundant in lentic freshwater habitats, with documented densities reaching 1200 larvae per square meter in eutrophic ponds. The genus comprises multiple subgenera including Cerobregma, Pentapedilum, Polypedilum, Probolum, Tripodura, and Uresipedilum.
Prodiamesinae
Prodiamesinae is a subfamily of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae. The subfamily contains at least four extant genera: Compteromesa, Monodiamesa, Odontomesa, and Prodiamesa, with additional fossil genera known from Cretaceous amber deposits. Species have been documented across the Holarctic region, including the Russian Far East, Tibetan Plateau, and North America. The subfamily has been subject to both morphological and molecular taxonomic studies, particularly for species discrimination using DNA barcoding.
Protanypus
Protanypus is a genus of non-biting midges in the subfamily Diamesinae of the family Chironomidae. The genus comprises approximately 10 described species distributed across Europe, North America, and Asia. Species within this genus are found in aquatic environments, with larvae inhabiting freshwater habitats. The genus was established by Kieffer in 1906.
Rheopelopia
Rheopelopia is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. Members are aquatic in their larval stage and belong to the tribe Pentaneurini. The genus was established by Fittkau in 1962. Larvae are generally found in running water habitats.
Saetheria
Saetheria is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, established by Jackson in 1977. It belongs to the subfamily Chironominae and is distributed across the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions, including Europe and the Russian Far East. The genus comprises at least four described species. Taxonomic revisions have provided detailed morphological descriptions of adult males, pupae, and larvae for multiple species.
Stictochironomus
Stictochironomus is a genus of non-biting midges (Chironomidae) with nearly worldwide distribution across all biogeographical regions except Antarctica. The genus contains more than 30 species, characterized by distinctive color patterns on wings and legs that serve as important diagnostic features for species identification. Larvae inhabit sand and sediments in freshwater habitats at densities of several hundred per square meter. DNA barcoding studies support the use of color-pattern-based species delimitation, with a genetic divergence threshold of 4.5–7.7% appropriate for distinguishing species.
Tanypodinae
Tanypods
Tanypodinae is a subfamily of non-biting midges within Chironomidae, distinguished by predominantly predatory larval ecology. Larvae possess specialized mouthparts adapted for capturing small invertebrate prey, including other chironomid larvae, setting them apart from the primarily detritivorous or filter-feeding larvae of most other chironomid subfamilies. First and second instar larvae additionally consume algae. The subfamily exhibits broad ecological tolerance, with species occurring in diverse freshwater habitats from pristine rivers to heavily polluted mine drainage systems. Tanypodinae serves as an important component of macrozoobenthos and functions as a biological indicator for aquatic ecosystem assessment.
Tanytarsini
Tanytarsini is a diverse tribe of non-biting midges (Chironomidae: Chironominae) comprising over 20 genera and approximately 1,000 described species. The tribe is divided into two subtribes: Tanytarsina and Zavreliina. Members occupy a wide range of aquatic habitats including freshwater lotic and lentic systems, hygropetric seepages, and marine intertidal zones. The genus Pontomyia represents truly marine chironomids within this tribe, with specialized life history adaptations including flightless, larviform females and short-lived non-feeding adults.
Thalassomya
Thalassomya is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, first described by Schiner in 1856. The genus belongs to the subfamily Telmatogetoninae and contains approximately 10 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus are associated with marine or brackish coastal habitats, reflecting the genus name derived from Greek 'thalassa' (sea).
Thienemanniella
Thienemanniella is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, first described by Kieffer in 1911. These small dipterans belong to the subfamily Orthocladiinae and are part of the diverse group of chironomid midges commonly known as bloodworms. The genus is known from limited observational records across parts of Europe and South America.
Tvetenia
non-biting midges
Tvetenia is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. Species occur across northern and eastern Europe, extending into Russia and Central Asia. The genus was established by Kieffer in 1922. Taxonomic revisions have clarified species boundaries, including the synonymy of T. vitracies with T. tshernovskii.
Zavrelimyia
Zavrelimyia is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae, and tribe Pentaneurini. The genus was established by Fittkau in 1962 and is placed within the predatory midge lineage Tanypodinae. Species in this genus are aquatic in their larval stages and are part of the diverse chironomid fauna found in freshwater habitats.