Chironomid midge
Insects within family Chironomidae are commonly known as chironomids, non-biting midges and lake flies.
Many species superficially resemble mosquitoes, but they lack the wing scales and elongated mouthparts that they have.
I learned that the larvae produce silk, and Chironomus has been studied as an alternative source of silk to the silk moth, as it is possible to extract the silk without killing the larvae.
It was thought that the Chironomidae do not feed as adults, but growing evidence contradicts this view. Adults of many species do, in fact, feed. The natural foods reported include fresh fly droppings, nectar, pollen, honeydew, and various sugar-rich materials.
Body length 10 mm.
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Chironomid midge
Insects within family Chironomidae are commonly known as chironomids, non-biting midges and lake flies.
Many species superficially resemble mosquitoes, but they lack the wing scales and elongated mouthparts that they have.
I learned that the larvae produce silk, and Chironomus has been studied as an alternative source of silk to the silk moth, as it is possible to extract the silk without killing the larvae.
It was thought that the Chironomidae do not feed as adults, but growing evidence contradicts this view. Adults of many species do, in fact, feed. The natural foods reported include fresh fly droppings, nectar, pollen, honeydew, and various sugar-rich materials.
Body length 10 mm.
© All rights reserved.