Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Polytene chromosomes were originally observed in the larval salivary glands of Chironomus midges by Balbiani in 1881. They form through repeated rounds of DNA replication without cell division, resulting in characteristic light and dark banding patterns which can be used to identify inversions and deletions which allow species identification.
Gall midge larvae, and many adults, are orange or yellow in color due to carotenoids. [10] Cecidomyiidae are among the very few animals which can synthesize carotenoids, but its unknown to what degree de novo biosynthesis of carotenoids accounts for their characteristic color as opposed to dietary sequestration or endosymbionts. [ 11 ]
Chaoboridae, commonly known as phantom midges or glassworms, is a family of fairly common midges with a cosmopolitan distribution. They are closely related to the Corethrellidae and Chironomidae ; the adults are differentiated through peculiarities in wing venation.
Most midges, apart from the gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), are aquatic during the larval stage. Some Cecidomyiidae (e.g., the Hessian fly ) are considered significant pests of some plant species. The larvae of some Chironomidae contain hemoglobin and are sometimes referred to as bloodworms .
Chaoborus is a genus of midges in the family Chaoboridae. The larvae are known as glassworms because they are transparent. They can be found commonly in lakes all over the world and can be up to 2 cm (0.8 in). The adults are sometimes called phantom midges or lake flies. [1]
During the spring and summer, males create mating swarms which people can find quite a nuisance, though adults do not bite or feed. Females lay egg masses in water where the egg mass will grow and sink to the bottom. The larvae stay at the bottom in silken tubes. [4] The larvae feed on organic material such as organic debris and algae.
The Cecidomyiinae, commonly known as gall midges or gall gnats, is the largest subfamily in Cecidomyiidae with over 600 genera and more than 5000 described species. [1] Larvae of the other ( basal ) cecidomyiid subfamilies feed on fungi; whereas this subfamily is best known for its members that induce galls on plants.
Midge larvae are often eaten by other invertebrates, such as damselfly naiads/Nymph (biology), and fish. In North America, it is noted that this species is a natural enemy of Berosus ingeminatus and Ischnura verticalis [4]