From en.wikipedia.org:
[Genus of flies] {{Automatic taxobox | image = Chironomus plumosus01.jpg |
image_caption = _Chironomus plumosus_ adult male | taxon = Chironomus |
authority = Meigen, 1803 | diversity_link = List of Chironomus species |
diversity = at least 640 species | type_species = _Chironomus plumosus_
(Linnaeus, 1758) }} _CHIRONOMUS_ is a genus of nonbiting midges in the
subfamily Chironominae of the bloodworm family, Chironomidae, containing
several cryptic species that can only be distinguished by experts based on the
characteristics of their giant chromosomes.
In the early 20th century the name _Tendipes_ Meigen, 1800 was often used
instead.[1] In 1963 the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature
restored the traditional name _Chironomus,_ which was first published in 1803
by Johann Wilhelm Meigen.[2]
** Description
Adult _Chironomus_ are midges with the pronotum widest in the middle and
bearing a notch, the head usually bearing a pair of small tubercles above the
antennal bases, the antennal flagellum of males having 11 segments, and the
male genitalia has inferior volsella large and larger than superior volsella.
They range from 5 to 13 mm in length. Larvae are red and usually have tubes
on the side or bottom of the eighth abdominal segment. These features are not
unique to _Chironomus_, also being found in some related genera.[3]
Adult males can be distinguished from females by their feather-like
antennae.[4]
** Behaviour
When at rest, adults often raise their front legs and vibrate them. This is
the source of the genus name, which is derived from "cheironomos" (Greek for
"one who moves the hands").<ref name=":0" />
** Habitat
Larvae of _Chironomus_ usually live in aquatic sediment. Those of the _C.
decorus_ group, _C. riparius_ group and _C. stigmaterus_ generally live in
conditions of high nutrients and low oxygen. There are also _Chironomus_ that
live in relatively clean water.<ref name=":0" />
The larvae of several species inhabit the profundal zone where they can reach
relatively high densities. They use a combination of hemoglobin-like proteins
and undulatory movements in their burrows to obtain oxygen in poorly
oxygenated habitats.[5]
** Health problems caused
Fine dust from adult chironomids has been implicated as an allergen causing
asthma, in Japan.[6]
** See also
- List of Chironomus species
** Gallery
<gallery> File:Chironomus anthracinus,Trawscoed, North Wales, April 2015 2 -
Flickr - janetgraham84.jpg|_Chironomus anthracinus_ File:Chironomus
crassicaudatus P1570795a.jpg|_Chironomus crassicaudatus_ File:Chironomus
yoshimatsui.jpg|_Chironomus yoshimatsui_ File:Chironomus spec. (Chironomidae)
- (larva), Elst (Gld), the Netherlands.jpg|_Chironomus_ sp. larva </gallery>
** References
[Reflist]
[from=Q2704714]
Category:Chironomidae Category:Nematocera genera Category:Taxa named by Johann
Wilhelm Meigen Category:Insects described in 1803