Chironomini is a diverse tribe of non-biting midges (Family Chironomidae). There are 49 genera worldwide, at least 12 of which occur in Minnesota. They are usually found, often in large swarms, hovering above a body of water or a damp area. The larvae of most species are aquatic and live in tubes constructed of debris. Adults are short-lived. It has long been thought that adults do not feed. Recent research demonstrates that adults of at least some species feed on nectar, pollen, honeydew, and fly droppings. As the family name suggests, they do not bite.

Photo by Luciearl

Description

Chironomini are soft-bodied insects with long legs and long antennae. They look like mosquitoes but do not have long extended mouthparts. They have two compound eyes but no simple eyes (ocelli). The antennae on the male are feather-like (plumose). The wings are long and narrow, and are usually not hairy. The anterior cross vein, between the last radial vein (R₅) and medial vein (M), is at a distinct angle to R₅. The distance between R₅ and the wingtip is equal to the distance between M and the wingtip.


Distribution
		Sources 24, 27, 30, 82.
6/30/2024


Taxonomy
Order	Diptera (flies)
Suborder	Nematocera
Infraorder	Culicomorpha (mosquitoes and midges)
Superfamily	Chironomoidea
Family	Chironomidae (non-biting midges)
Subfamily	Chironominae

Subordinate Taxa
Genus Axarus Genus Chironomus Genus Cryptochironomus Genus Demeijerea Genus Demicryptochironomus Genus Dicrotendipes Genus Endochironomus Genus Glyptotendipes Genus Microtendipes Genus Parachironomus Genus Paratendipes Genus Polypedilum Genus Stenochironomus

Synonyms


Common Names
This tribe has no common name. The common name for the family is non-biting midges, and it is applied here for convenience.

Glossary

Ocellus

Simple eye; an eye with a single lens. Plural: ocelli.


Visitor Photos

Share your photo of this insect.
		This button not working for you? Simply email us at info@MinnesotaSeasons.com. Attach one or more photos and, if you like, a caption.


Alfredo Colon


Luciearl


MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos

Camera

Slideshows

slideshow


Visitor Videos

Share your video of this insect.
		This button not working for you? Simply email us at info@MinnesotaSeasons.com. Attach a video, a YouTube link, or a cloud storage link.


Other Videos

Camcorder


Visitor Sightings

Report a sighting of this insect.
		This button not working for you? Simply email us at info@MinnesotaSeasons.com. Be sure to include a location.