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Flies of Zihuatanejo

ORDER DIPTERA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Flies Order (Diptera)

-Nematoceran Flies (Suborder Nematocera)​

-Mosquitoes and Midges (Infraorder Culicomorpha)

-Superfamily Chironomoidea

-Non-biting Midges (Family Chironomidae)

-Subfamily Chironominae

-Tribe Chironomini

-Genus Chironomus


Non-biting midges of the genus Chironomus are delicate, mosquito-like flies in the family Chironomidae that are widespread in freshwater environments around the world. Although they resemble mosquitoes in shape—with slender bodies, long legs, and narrow wings—they do not bite or feed on blood. Adult Chironomus are typically gray, brown, or black, and males are easily recognized by their feathery (plumose) antennae, which they use to detect the wingbeat frequencies of females. These midges are often most noticeable when they gather in large swarms above lakes, ponds, or rivers, especially during calm evenings. The larvae are commonly referred to as “blood worms” due to their vivid red colour.

Chironomus Non-biting Midges

Chironomus (Genus)

Description

  • Chironomus is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae. Adults are small, delicate flies resembling mosquitoes but lacking functional piercing mouthparts. Many species have slender bodies, long legs, and clear wings, with males often having conspicuously plumose antennae. The larvae are aquatic and commonly have a characteristic red colour caused by haemoglobin, giving them the common name “bloodworms”.

Range

  • Species of Chironomus occur worldwide in freshwater habitats, from tropical regions to the Arctic. Numerous species occur throughout Mexico, Central America, and South America, and Chironomus midges can be encountered in the Zihua area wherever suitable freshwater habitats are present.

Habitat

  • Larvae inhabit ponds, lakes, streams, marshes, drainage channels, and other freshwater environments, often living in soft sediments or organic-rich mud. They are particularly tolerant of low-oxygen conditions and can be abundant in nutrient-rich or disturbed aquatic habitats. Adults are commonly found near the water bodies where the larvae develop.

Diet

  • Larvae feed primarily on algae, microorganisms, bacteria, and decomposing organic matter in aquatic sediments, with some species also consuming small particles and other organic material. Adults generally have short lifespans and feed little or not at all, although some may consume nectar or other plant-derived liquids.

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