Thread subject: Diptera.info :: male/female chironomid?

Posted by Tony Irwin on 19-10-2019 09:40
#6

There is no simple way of telling males from females in Chironomidae. Generally, males have large plumose antennae, while females have antennae that are shorter and more sparsely haired. However there are exceptions, with some females having longer hairs on the antennae and some males have antennae that look like those of females.
Looking at the genitalia is more reliable, but you need to become familiar with the range of morphology in both males and females. It's helpful to remember that females tend to have fatter abdomens and often the eggs can be seen through the abdominal wall.