The dipteran family Chironomidae is the most widely distributed and frequently the most abundant group of insects in freshwater, with rep resentatives in both terrestrial and marine environments. A very wide range of gradients of temperature, pH, oxygen concentration, salinity, current velocity, depth, productivity, altitude and latitude have been exploited, by at least some chironomid species, and in grossly polluted environments chironomids may be the only insects present. The ability to exist in such a wide range of conditions has been achieved largely by behavioural and physiological adaptations with relatively slight morphological changes. It has been estimated that the number of species world-wide may be as high as 15000. This high species diversity has been attributed to the antiquity of the family, relatively low vagility leading to isolation, and evolutionary plasticity. In many aquatic ecosystems the number of chironomid species present may account for at least 50% of the total macroinvertebrate species recorded. This species richness, wide distribution and tolerance to adverse conditions has meant that the group is frequently recorded in ecological studies but taxonomic difficulties have in the past prevented non-specialist identification beyond family or subfamily level. Recent works, including genetic studies, have meant that the family is receiving much more attention globally.

General ecology of the Chironomids and identification key to the Tanypodinae To most people midges are a nuisance—annoying creatures that can spoil a quiet evening. However, there are those who study these tiny insects with great passion, including the two authors of this book. Because the European Water Framework Directive requires the authorities to ascertain the presence status of macro-invertebrates in surface waters, their work gained more attention. Chironomids are a group of non-biting midges, the larvae of which are important in aquatic ecosystems. A major subfamily of this group are the Tanypodinae. The larvae of most of the species are free-swimming or crawling predators while those of other species burrow in the mud on the bottom. Since they inhabit a variety of habitats they can be found in almost all surface waters in the Netherlands. The authors revised existing identification keys and collected additional information on the biology and ecology of the larvae. Where possible, the identification keys use anatomical characters that are easily observed. The clear descriptions of the development stages, sampling methods and abiotic environmental factors help make this book useful for all students of chironomid larvae, professional or otherwise. This book is especially important for its potential use in water quality management. Volume 1: Chironomidae Larvae - General ecology and Tanypodinae Volume 2: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and ecology of the Chironomini Volume 3: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and Ecology of the Aquatic Orthocladiinae

Chironomids are a group of non-biting midges, the larvae of which are important in aquatic ecosystems. This book is an invaluable tool for aquatic ecologists and water quality management covering the most important tribes Chironomini and Pseudochironomini. It presents a wealth of information for professionals for scientific and practical purpose. The Chironomini larvae are the well-known red bloodworms. They are the most important group of the Chironomidae family in stagnant water and can be very numerous, especially in polluted water. Many species are detritus feeders and play a part in the decomposition of organic material. Most species live in a tube of small particles, attached to the substrate. The author has brought together a wealth of information on the biology and ecology of this group geared especially to water quality assessment. This collected knowledge is required in the interpretation of macro-invertebrate samples. An introduction gives background information on the influence of environmental factors on chironomid larvae. A unique focus on this ecologically important group, useful for professionals and especially important for its potential use in water quality management. Volume 1: Chironomidae Larvae - General ecology and Tanypodinae Volume 2: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and ecology of the Chironomini Volume 3: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and Ecology of the Aquatic Orthocladiinae

This book provides comprehensive and concise knowledge about Diptera, an order of insects that has both useful and harmful aspects for humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Insects of this order act as agricultural pests as well as vectors of diseases and carriers of microorganisms. Chapters cover such topics as characteristics of different types of Dipteran insects including fruit flies, mosquitos, and midges, and strategies to control insect populations to combat the spread of human and animal diseases such as dengue, trypanosomosis, and others.

This illustrated introduction to Central American Chironomidae offers extensive photographic material, as well as detailed morphological and ecological descriptions of chironomid subfossils found in Central American lake sediments. The book uniquely provides two identification keys: one for living larvae occurring (or potentially being present) in Central America and one for the recorded subfossil remains, using limited morphological characters. Paleolimnological investigations using chironomid remains have undergone a resurgence of interest, and this taxonomic guide will aid the thorough analysis of the diversity and distribution of the taxa encountered to date in Central America. Out of the total 64 described genera, the book brings 20 endemic genera, and more than half of the presented morphotypes are new. Plates are included for each taxon with generic characters and also provide a key to morphotypes, if present, their specific characters, distribution, and ecology. Authored by a (paleo)limnologist and a taxonomist, the guide draws on a thorough taxonomical knowledge of the region’s recent chironomid fauna. It uses a paleolimnological approach to transmit this information to morphotypes that can be linked with ecology and used to reconstruct the past development of nature. The book thus helps paleo-workers and taxonomists to learn more about these fascinating insects and, through them, to discover the world around us. Providing a comprehensive reference for aquatic ecologists, paleolimnologists, students, and researchers, the guide will also be of interest to non-academic professionals working on applied research and biomonitoring of lakes. It will be useful for people studying both recent and subfossil material, not only in Central America, but in the whole Neotropical region.