Chironomus

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Chironomus
Chironomus plumosus01.jpg
Chironomus plumosus adult male
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Chironomidae
Tribe: Chironomini
Genus: Chironomus
Meigen, 1803
Diversity
at least 640 species

Chironomus is a genus of nonbiting midges in the subfamily Chironominae of the bloodworm family, Chironomidae, containing several cryptic species that can only be distinguished by experts based on the characteristics of their giant chromosomes. The larvae of several species inhabit the profundal zone where they can reach relatively high densities. They use a combination of hemoglobin-like proteins and undulatory movements in their burrows to obtain oxygen in poorly oxygenated habitats.[1]

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References[]

  1. ^ Int Panis, L; Goddeeris, B; Verheyen, R F (1995). "On the relationship between vertical microdistribution and adaptations to oxygen stress in littoral Chironomidae (Diptera)". Hydrobiologia. 318 (1): 61–67. doi:10.1007/BF00014132. S2CID 27026595.


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