Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Chironomidae?
Posted by Stephen on 28-08-2006 21:45
#1
Have I got this right, Chironomidae? It looks like it to me, but with so many other families out there of various gnats and midges it would be nice to hear confirmation.
Open area near a lake, West Virginia USA, 27 August 2006. Size was 5.2 mm.
What wonderful antennae!
Seems like a long abdomen.
ID help appreciated.
Posted by Stephen on 28-08-2006 21:47
#2
Second image
Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 28-08-2006 21:55
#3
Hi Stephen.
This forelegs directed ahead is very typical for Chironomidae. Male.
Nikita
Posted by Tony Irwin on 29-08-2006 00:14
#4
The fore-tarsus is much longer than the tibia - a sure give-away for Chironomidae! The antennae are similar to some mosquitoes and phantom midges. It's instructive to compare your chironomid to Xespok's chaoborid - see
http://www.dipter...post_13638.
Note the difference in antenna shape, posture, leg morphology, genitalia shape and wing length.
Edited by Tony Irwin on 29-08-2006 00:17
Posted by Stephen on 29-08-2006 00:37
#5
Thanks, Nikita, and thanks, Tony. It was interesting to compare with Xespok's image. I haven't seen anything in the family Chaoboridae yet, but I will keep my eyes open!