Chironomids are a group of non-biting midges, the larvae of which are important in aquatic ecosystems. This book is an invaluable tool for aquatic ecologists and water quality management covering the most important tribes Chironomini and Pseudochironomini. It presents a wealth of information for professionals for scientific and practical purpose. The Chironomini larvae are the well-known red bloodworms. They are the most important group of the Chironomidae family in stagnant water and can be very numerous, especially in polluted water. Many species are detritus feeders and play a part in the decomposition of organic material. Most species live in a tube of small particles, attached to the substrate. The author has brought together a wealth of information on the biology and ecology of this group geared especially to water quality assessment. This collected knowledge is required in the interpretation of macro-invertebrate samples. An introduction gives background information on the influence of environmental factors on chironomid larvae. A unique focus on this ecologically important group, useful for professionals and especially important for its potential use in water quality management. Volume 1: Chironomidae Larvae - General ecology and Tanypodinae Volume 2: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and ecology of the Chironomini Volume 3: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and Ecology of the Aquatic Orthocladiinae

Chironomids are a group of non-biting midges, the larvae of which are important in aquatic ecosystems. The authors revised existing identification keys and collected additional information on the biology and ecology of the larvae. Where possible, the identification keys use anatomical characters that are easily observed. An invaluable tool for aquatic ecologists and water quality management.

Chironomidae Larvae of the Netherlands and Adjacent Lowlands Chironomids are a group of non-biting midges, the larvae of which are important in aquatic ecosystems. The subfamily Orthocladiinae is well represented in flowing water. This books contains information about their life cycle, feeding behaviour and their response to environmental factors. Chironomidae Larvae, Vol. 3: Orthocladiinae presents a wealth of information for scientific and practical purpose. The subfamily Orthocladiinae is especially well represented in flowing water. Most of the species need a good supply of oxygen and few larvae are bottom dwellers. Many species emerge early in spring and may be scarce in summer. Other species live in stagnant and even temporary water bodies. • information about the life cycle and feeding behaviour of the larvae and their response to environmental factors such as oxygen conditions, current velocity and saprobity • special attention to the interrelations between these factors • general and specific aspects of the systematics, biology and ecology the genera and species • nomenclature and identification An invaluable tool for aquatic ecologists and water quality management. Volume 1: Chironomidae Larvae - General ecology and Tanypodinae Volume 2: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and ecology of the Chironomini Volume 3: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and Ecology of the Aquatic Orthocladiinae

The dipteran family Chironomidae is the most widely distributed and frequently the most abundant group of insects in freshwater, with rep resentatives in both terrestrial and marine environments. A very wide range of gradients of temperature, pH, oxygen concentration, salinity, current velocity, depth, productivity, altitude and latitude have been exploited, by at least some chironomid species, and in grossly polluted environments chironomids may be the only insects present. The ability to exist in such a wide range of conditions has been achieved largely by behavioural and physiological adaptations with relatively slight morphological changes. It has been estimated that the number of species world-wide may be as high as 15000. This high species diversity has been attributed to the antiquity of the family, relatively low vagility leading to isolation, and evolutionary plasticity. In many aquatic ecosystems the number of chironomid species present may account for at least 50% of the total macroinvertebrate species recorded. This species richness, wide distribution and tolerance to adverse conditions has meant that the group is frequently recorded in ecological studies but taxonomic difficulties have in the past prevented non-specialist identification beyond family or subfamily level. Recent works, including genetic studies, have meant that the family is receiving much more attention globally.

General ecology of the Chironomids and identification key to the Tanypodinae To most people midges are a nuisance—annoying creatures that can spoil a quiet evening. However, there are those who study these tiny insects with great passion, including the two authors of this book. Because the European Water Framework Directive requires the authorities to ascertain the presence status of macro-invertebrates in surface waters, their work gained more attention. Chironomids are a group of non-biting midges, the larvae of which are important in aquatic ecosystems. A major subfamily of this group are the Tanypodinae. The larvae of most of the species are free-swimming or crawling predators while those of other species burrow in the mud on the bottom. Since they inhabit a variety of habitats they can be found in almost all surface waters in the Netherlands. The authors revised existing identification keys and collected additional information on the biology and ecology of the larvae. Where possible, the identification keys use anatomical characters that are easily observed. The clear descriptions of the development stages, sampling methods and abiotic environmental factors help make this book useful for all students of chironomid larvae, professional or otherwise. This book is especially important for its potential use in water quality management. Volume 1: Chironomidae Larvae - General ecology and Tanypodinae Volume 2: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and ecology of the Chironomini Volume 3: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and Ecology of the Aquatic Orthocladiinae

An invaluable tool for aquatic ecologists and water quality management. Chironomids are a group of non-biting midges, the larvae of which are important in aquatic ecosystems. The subfamily Orthocladiinae is well represented in flowing water. This books contains information about their life cycle, feeding behaviour and their response to environmental factors. Chironomidae Larvae, Vol.3: Orthocladiinae presents a wealth of information for scientific and practical purpose.