# Non-biting Midges (*Chironomidae*) Non-biting midges are tiny flying insects that look like mosquitoes but don't bite! They often gather near water and are important for the ecosystem. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Non-biting Midges](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Chironomus_plumosus01.jpg&width=800) Photo: Attribution · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chironomus_plumosus01.jpg) ## Appearance The Non-biting Midges has slender bodies, long legs, and delicate wings. They appear grayish, brownish, or greenish. Unlike mosquitoes, their wings lack scales and they often hold front legs like antennae, and they do not have a proboscis. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Chironomidae ## Interesting facts - Adult non-biting midges often don't bite or eat, living off stored energy! - Midge larvae can live in frozen water by producing a natural antifreeze! - Some midge larvae are called "bloodworms" because they are bright red! - Their tiny wings beat incredibly fast, making a high-pitched buzzing sound! ## Special abilities - **Blood Power:** Non-biting Midge larvae have hemoglobin, which helps them absorb oxygen in low-oxygen water. - **Sediment Shapers:** Non-biting Midge larvae burrow into mud, which helps aerate the aquatic environment for other creatures. - **Swarm Dancers:** Adult Non-biting Midges perform aerial swarms, which helps them find mates more easily. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 3-12 mm - **Size:** 2-10 mm - **Lifespan:** 2-7 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Larvae eat decaying plants and algae; adults typically do not feed or consume nectar for energy. - **Age differences:** Larvae are detritivores, while most adults do not feed or consume nectar. - **Primary Foods:** decaying organic matter, algae, diatoms, plant detritus - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Brown Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-trout) (*Salmo trutta*) — Larvae are a vital food source for many freshwater fish. - **Eaten by:** [Barn Swallow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/barn-swallow) (*Hirundo rustica*) — Adults provide important aerial food for insectivorous birds. - **Eaten by:** [Emperor Dragonfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/emperor-dragonfly) (*Anax imperator*) — Larvae are prey for predatory aquatic insect nymphs. - **Pollinates:** Cacao (*Theobroma cacao*) — Some species are crucial pollinators of the cocoa plant. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Filter Feeder](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/filter-feeder): Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Non-biting midges are harmless, but it's best to avoid swatting at them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Non-biting Midges? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Non-biting Midges's wingspan? 3-12 mm ### How big is Non-biting Midges? 2-10 mm ### How long does Non-biting Midges live? 2-7 days ### What does Non-biting Midges eat? Larvae eat decaying plants and algae; adults typically do not feed or consume nectar for energy. ### Where is Non-biting Midges usually found? Wetlands ### How does Non-biting Midges hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Non-biting Midges have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Burgundy Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/burgundy-park) — Virginia, US · Park - [Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/carmanah-walbran-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Non-biting Midges: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/non-biting-midges)