BEHAVIOR:

 

EMERGENCE:

  • Four instars prior to pupating that last from 2 weeks to 4 years
  • First instar may be planktonic pupal stage lasts 1-2 weeks
  • The adult develops inside a modified larval skin
  • Simultaneously hatch leading to huge mating clouds
  • (Williams et al., 1992 pg 94)
  • The adults live less than 2 weeks (Thorp, 1991 pg.627)
  • Do not feed, but may drink water and nectar mating takes place in swarms
  • Usually can be seen as dense clouds along shorelines or over water (http://www.biology.eku.edu/SCHUSTER/bio%20806/diptera.htm)

OVIPOSITION:

  • The female midge has a single batch of eggs and spreads them across the waters surface
  • The other option for the Chironomidae is to have large gelatinous masses of eggs that emerge on vegetation Eggs are either single or in masses
  • Eggs may be dormant for long periods of time depending on species and environmental conditions
  • (Williams et al., 1992 pg 94)

ACTIVITY:

  • None available

LOCOMOTION:

  • The anal lobe of the pupae has fringes of setae that enhance the swimming ability of the lavae
  • (Williams et al., 1992 pg 97)