Chironomus dilutus
This record describes Chironomus dilutus (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male genitalia of the subgenus Chironomus (Camptochironomus) are distinctive. Dark abdomen, strongly contrastly dark stripes on light brown or greenish thorax. Usually the coloration and rather strongly produced middle portion of the pronotum enable one to determine female specimens. (Townes 1945)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Chironomidae (Non-biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Chironominae
- Tribe
- Chironomini
- Genus
- Chironomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"The species breeds in shallow water with much decaying organic matter: dead leaves, dead algae, or a moderate amount of organic pollution." (Townes 1945)
Geographic Range
Northern USA, Canada
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chironomus dilutus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Chironomus dilutus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Chironomus dilutus
What is Chironomus dilutus?
Chironomus dilutus is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chironomus dilutus?
9 mm
How do you identify Chironomus dilutus?
Male genitalia of the subgenus Chironomus (Camptochironomus) are distinctive. Dark abdomen, strongly contrastly dark stripes on light brown or greenish thorax. Usually the coloration and rather strongly produced middle portion of the pronotum enable one to determine female specimens. (Townes 1945)
Where is Chironomus dilutus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | The species breeds in shallow water with much decaying organic matter: dead leaves, dead algae, or a moderate amount of organic pollution. (Townes 1945) |
| Range | Northern USA, Canada |