Species: Buzzer Midge (Chironomus plumosus)
Family: Non-biting midges (CHIRONOMIDAE)
Category: Insects (Other)
Location: Widespread
A. Insects (Other)
More extensive information on insects can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Non-biting midges (CHIRONOMIDAE)
Non-biting midges comprise a family of insects that are similar to mosquitos and are distributed across the globe. Males have plume-like antennae, whereas females do not. They are also known as 'lake flies', 'bay flies' and 'sand flies'.
Some authorities estimate that there may be 10,000 different species of non-biting midges.
C. Buzzer Midge (Chironomus plumosus)
The Buzzer Midge (Chironomus plumosus) begins life as eggs on the bottom of ponds, rivers and lakes. They develop into red larvae called bloodworms which drift to the surface. From there, the adults emerge.
This species is the largest non-biting midge, reaching 12mm in length. It is very common in Britain.
Images
Buzzer Midge
The Buzzer Midge is the largest non-biting midge, reaching 12mm in length. It is very common in Britain.
This individual is a female. Males have very pronounced, plume-like antennae.
Buzzer Midge
This Buzzer Midge is a male. Females do not have very pronounced, plume-like antennae. This individual was caught in (then released from) a moth trap in early July.
