Bloodworm (Midge Larva)
Scientific Name: Chironomus species
Order & Family: Order Diptera, Family Chironomidae
Size: Typically 10mm to 25mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Found in the soft sediment of stagnant or slow-moving freshwater bodies like ponds, lakes, and marshes.
Diet & Feeding
Feed on organic detritus, algae, and microorganisms found in the sediment.
Behavior Patterns
They live in silken tubes within the mud; their red color comes from hemoglobin which allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.
Risks & Benefits
They are harmless to humans and are a vital food source for fish and waterfowl, though large swarms of adult midges can be a nuisance.
Identified on: 1/12/2026