Chironomidae

Chironomidae is a large and diverse family of flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as non-biting midges. They resemble mosquitoes in general form, but adults lack functional mouthparts for blood feeding and most do not feed. The group includes thousands of species with a wide range of life histories, from short-lived swarming adults to long-lived aquatic larvae.

Chironomids undergo complete metamorphosis. Eggs are deposited on or near water, and aquatic larvae develop in sediments, among aquatic vegetation, or in free water. Some larvae contain respiratory pigments that allow survival in low-oxygen habitats, earning the "bloodworm" nickname for the red appearance of many larvae. Pupae are aquatic, and adults emerge to mate in swarms.

Chironomids are found worldwide in ponds, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and even brackish waters. They are among the most abundant aquatic invertebrates and occupy a variety of feeding modes, including detritivory, herbivory, and filter feeding. Larval communities contribute significantly to freshwater food webs and are commonly used as indicators of water quality.

Ecologically and economically, chironomids serve as a major food source for fish and water birds. They are widely used in environmental monitoring and biomonitoring programs to assess pollution and habitat quality. Some species are also collected as fishing bait.

As a taxonomic group, Chironomidae comprises several subfamilies and many genera. Classification relies on larval, pupal, and adult morphology, and increasingly on molecular methods, reflecting substantial diversity and ongoing revisions.