Non-biting Midges
Chironomidae
Also known as: Nonbiting Midges · Lake Flies · Gnats · Bloodworms · Non-biting Midge · Chironomids
Insecta
COMMON
Stats
- Lifespan
- A few weeks
- Size
- Tiny
- Diet
- Filter feeder
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Social
- Swarm
- Biome
- Freshwater wetland
- Range
- Worldwide
- Movement
- Flight
- Breeding
- Egg-laying
- Defense
- Camouflage
- Status
- Common
About
Non-biting midges are a global family of Nematoceran flies that are closely related to mosquitoes, Ceratopogonidae, Simuliidae, and Thaumaleidae. They can be distinguished by the absence of wing scales and elongated mouthparts characteristic of the Culicidae.
Life cycle
- 1.eggA small egg is laid on or near the larval food source and hatches within days or weeks.
- 2.juvenileAn immature insect feeds and molts, growing through successive instars.
- 3.subadultA near-adult insect has wing buds or near-mature form, one molt away from full size.
- 4.adultFully grown, with full wings and adult coloration.
Learn more
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Chironomidae