Chironomid midge (Corynoneura)

Taxonomic group

Chironomidae: Corynoneura

Diagnostic features

Corynoneura is a small, easily overlooked midge, belonging to the orthoclad subfamily of the Chironomidae. Like other chironomids the general body form is worm-like, but with a distinct head, and with paired prolegs under the head and at the end of the abdomen. The antennae of Corynoneura are unusually long for chironomids, being about twice the length of the head.

[Corynoneura]. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Corynoneura. Image: Stephen Moore

[Corynoneura]. Very long antennae. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Corynoneura. Very long antennae. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Corynoneura larvae are found in only a small percentage of stream samples, but they can be common in algae-covered stream sites.

Feeding

They are known to feed on a range of streambed algae and organic detritus.

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 2
Soft bottom: 1.7

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

Corynoneura can be found in streams with heavy growths of streambed algae (often the result of excessive nutrient enrichment). They have low tolerance values of 2 (hard bottom sites) and 1.7 (soft bottom sites).