Non-biting midge

Scientific Name: Chironomus plumosus (representative species)

Order & Family: Order: Diptera, Family: Chironomidae

Size: 1 mm to 10 mm (0.04 to 0.4 inches)

Near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and ponds where larvae develop in mud and sediment.

Larvae (bloodworms) feed on organic debris and algae; adults typically do not feed or may consume nectar/honey dew.

Often seen in large, synchronized mating swarms at dusk. They have a short adult lifespan of only a few days focused solely on reproduction.

They do not bite or sting and are harmless to humans. They are beneficial to ecosystems as a primary food source for fish, birds, and bats.

Identified on: 3/9/2026