Blood Midge

Description:

Chironomid larva, sometimes known as bloodworms, members of the family Chironomidae (order Diptera). They are larvae of the non-biting midges, the adults of which form large swarms near water, usually at dusk. The larvae occur in a wide range of aquatic habitats and have worm-like bodies up to 30 mm long. The common name, bloodworms, is derived from the blood-red appearance of some species (e.g. Chironomus riparius). This red coloration is due to the presence of haemoglobin which enables the larvae to exist in oxygen-depleted sediments. Chironomid larvae are most abundant in muddy, organic sediments where they construct tubes of silk and debris. Chironomid larvae may be detritivores (feeding on fine particulate organic matter), algal feeders or predators. They are a major food source for fish and other invertebrates. Chironomid larva, sometimes known as bloodworms, members of the family Chironomidae (order Diptera). They are larvae of the non-biting midges, the adults of which form large swarms near water, usually at dusk. The larvae occur in a wide range of aquatic habitats and have worm-like bodies up to 30 mm long. The common name, bloodworms, is derived from the blood-red appearance of some species (e.g. Chironomus riparius). This red coloration is due to the presence of haemoglobin which enables the larvae to exist in oxygen-depleted sediments. Chironomid larvae are most abundant in muddy, organic sediments where they construct tubes of silk and debris. Chironomid larvae may be detritivores (feeding on fine particulate organic matter), algal feeders or predators. They are a major food source for fish and other invertebrates.

Notes:

This was found in a leaf Pack I raked up from the bottom of a nearby stream to our school and used for a hands on yesterday. We put one of the worms under the microscope and projected it for the kids.