Chironomus plumosus
This record describes Chironomus plumosus (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type species of Chironomus . These flies received wide publicity in 2007 when the Lake Erie population swarmed an important baseball game in Cleveland (see reference below).
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
Large lakes.
Geographic Range
Holarctic; more common in north
Seasonal Activity
Spring to fall
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Most likely named after the hairy antennae of the male
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chironomus plumosus. 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 plumosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Chironomus plumosus
What is Chironomus plumosus?
Chironomus plumosus is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chironomus plumosus?
Wing length typically 5.9 mm, occasionally as long as 7.5 mm. Male body length typically 10, occasionally as long as 13 mm. This is the largest member of the family.
Where is Chironomus plumosus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Large lakes. |
| Range | Holarctic; more common in north |
When is Chironomus plumosus active?
Chironomus plumosus: seasonal activity - Spring to fall.