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Hi,

I am collecting adult insects from a lake in southern Germany. I know I have multiple species of chironomids, which I am grouping together (for my own sanity). From previous studies, I also know there are Chaoborus flavicans emerging from the lake.

Does anyone know of any distinguishing features (for both male and female) that could be used to readily separate the C. flavicans from the wide range of chironomids?

I have attached some pictures of (what I believe are) chironomids but if anyone can identify any as C. flavicans, that would be very helpful. Many thanks!

(All pictures April 2019 - Konstanz, Germany)

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Example #2

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Example #3

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Example #4

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Example #5

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Example #6

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Example #7

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Example #8

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Example #9

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Example #10

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Example #11

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Example #12

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Example #13

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All your photos are Chironomidae.

Chaoborus has more wing veins.

Females of the common species of Chironomidae have fewer segments in the flagellum (5-6 compared to more than 10). The last two photos are exceptions to the second rule --Ablabesmyia and Procladius in subfamily Tanypodinae.

Males can also be distinguished by antennae and genitalia. Males have distinct rings of hairs and longer genitalia with a slender dististyle.

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Hi John,

Thanks for identifying my pictures as Chironomidae. These guys (picture attached) emerged from my traps this past week. I assume these are male and female Chaoborus (any way to tell if they are Chaoborus flavicans?). Based on the antennae with distinct rings and the wing veins, they do seem very different from the Chironomidae (even without a dissecting microscope)!

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I don't know how to distinguish species of the Chaoborus flavicans group.

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They do appear to be a male and female Chaoborus, and although the photo is not very clear, the thoracic colour looks OK for flavicans. However I would advise checking the male genitalia to be sure.