Midge 2 by Leeco

Photography • Insects • posted on Sep 13, 2008

Open full image in new tab Zoom on image

Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.

Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.

Description

Nikon 7900 pocket camera, hand held image. This was taken last December. I am not 100% positive about the exact species but I strongly suspect I am correct on this one because I have seen the red larvae in various places. My inclination is to say this species is Chironomus plumosus and it is almost certainly a male. Classification Kingdom Animalia (Animals) Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods) Class Insecta (Insects) Order Diptera (Flies) No Taxon ("Nematocera" (Non-Brachycera)) Infraorder Culicomorpha Family Chironomidae (Midges) Other Common Names Non-biting Midges, Blind Mosquitoes Size 1-10 mm, a few larger Identification Small, delicate flies, resemble mosquitoes but do not bite. Often "dance" in large swarms over water or lawns. Males have long, feathery (plumose) antennae. Range North America Habitat Usually damp areas, or near bodies of fresh water. Larvae of most midges are aquatic; a few occur in decaying matter, under bark or in moist ground. Most of them are scavengers. Many of the aquatic forms live in tubes or cases. Food Adults do not feed. Larvae are mostly aquatic, many living in tubes in soft mud; they are filter feeders. Others are leaf-miners of aquatic plants. Red larvae of genus Chironomus are called "bloodworms". Their blood contains hemoglobin, unusual for insects. Larvae are often very abundant and are an important food item for many fresh water fish and other aquatic animals. Thanks to those who take the time to comment. BTW - is anyone having problems with receiving e-mail notifications of comments? I ask because I have received no notices in the past 2 days. I am checking with my ISP (which controls my e-mail accounts) as well. Lee

Comments (16)

)

Richardphotos

12:25AM | Sat, 13 September 2008

I think someone posted a picture of the same critter here before.anyhow a superb macro

MrsLubner

12:39AM | Sat, 13 September 2008

Incredibly detailed tiny macro! Fabulous information.

)

mhyrdin

2:11AM | Sat, 13 September 2008

Sorry Leco ! I have not added a comment on your photos for a long time. They are always so perfect ! I love your macros (whenever the subject are spiders ! LOL !)

)

durleybeachbum

2:17AM | Sat, 13 September 2008

What a stunning shot! the shadow is a great bonus. We have bloodworms and therefore something very similar to these midges, but I have never thought to take a pic. Marvellous!!

)

MaraP

3:45AM | Sat, 13 September 2008

Fantastic macro, love the light and details!!

)

praep

4:31AM | Sat, 13 September 2008

Fantastic macro, like all the previous ones. Great work, Lee.

)

Alz2008

5:18AM | Sat, 13 September 2008

Wonderful capture and macro, Excellent well done..

)

GBCalls

8:25AM | Sat, 13 September 2008

Never have seen these, excellent capture!

)

ysvry

9:43AM | Sat, 13 September 2008

greate foto, isnt midge also a name they give to the singer madonna?

)

JeffG7BRJ

10:48AM | Sat, 13 September 2008

My filtration equipment for the pond is crammed with 'Bloodworm' and I have clouds of midges above the pond in the evening, I also have them in and around the compost tub. They are never still long enough to capture as yet but after seeing this I will persevere. See what I can get. Excellent capture and information. Bravo!!!!! I am getting ebots no bother at all in the UK.

)