Profundal-zone
Guides
Chironomus
nonbiting midges, bloodworms
Chironomus is a genus of nonbiting midges in the family Chironomidae, containing over 200 species. Several species are cryptic and distinguishable only by experts using giant chromosome characteristics. The genus is notable for larvae that inhabit oxygen-poor aquatic sediments, using hemoglobin-like proteins to survive in hypoxic conditions. Adults are recognized by their habit of raising and vibrating their front legs when at rest—a behavior that inspired the genus name derived from Greek 'cheironomos' meaning 'one who moves the hands'.