Catemaco Lake Midge

Description:

Every once in a while, when environmental conditions are favorable, large outbreaks of a single species can occur. Such a massive outbreak of midges occurred during the week of 20-25 April 2015. Literally thousands of midges covered the vegetation along the lake's edge below the town of Catemaco. When they were flying, it was necessary to wear a scarf over your nose and mouth in order to breathe. Most of the midges were green and some were red (see pictures 5 and 6). I think both color phenotypes are the same species. Male Midges have bushy antennae while females have filiform antennae. Both males and females can be seen in pictures 1 & 2. The larvae are aquatic. These might be midges of Tanypus catemaco, but I am not positive yet. Family Chironomidae (non.biting midges).

Habitat:

Covering all available vegetation, trees, plastic, benches, everything along the shoreline of Lake Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico.