Chironomus ochreatus
This record describes Chironomus ochreatus (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Shining. |
| Thorax | Thorax bright yellow to dark green with reddish stripes, the middle stripe of the female divided longitudinally. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen dark, often with pale rings. Femora yellowish, fore tibiae dark. Superior volsella blunt ended with hairs near tip. |
Wikipedia reference for Chironomus ochreatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chironomus_ochreatus.
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
"I've examined specimens reared from a roadside pond in Georgia." -- John Epler
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chironomus ochreatus. 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 ochreatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Chironomus ochreatus
What is Chironomus ochreatus?
Chironomus ochreatus is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chironomus ochreatus?
Large for a midge, 7-8 mm
How do you identify Chironomus ochreatus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Shining. |
| Thorax | Thorax bright yellow to dark green with reddish stripes, the middle stripe of the female divided longitudinally. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen dark, often with pale rings. Femora yellowish, fore tibiae dark. Superior volsella blunt ended with hairs near tip. |
Where is Chironomus ochreatus found?
Habitat: I've examined specimens reared from a roadside pond in Georgia. -- John Epler