Blood Midge
Chironomid larva, sometimes known as
bloodworms, members of the family Chironomidae (order Diptera). They are larvae
of the non-biting midges, the adults of which form large swarms near water,
usually at dusk. The larvae occur in a wide range of aquatic habitats and have
worm-like bodies up to 30 mm long. The common name, bloodworms, is derived from
the blood-red appearance of some species (e.g. Chironomus riparius). This
red coloration is due to the presence of haemoglobin which enables the larvae to
exist in oxygen-depleted sediments.
Chironomid larvae are most abundant in muddy, organic sediments where they
construct tubes of silk and debris. Chironomid larvae may be detritivores
(feeding on fine particulate organic matter), algal feeders or predators. They
are a major food source for fish and other invertebrates.
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