Bloodworm (Non-biting midge larva)

Natural Habitat

Stagnant or slow-moving freshwater, including ponds, lakes, rivers, and sometimes domestic drain pipes or water filters.

Diet & Feeding

Detritivorous; they feed on organic debris, algae, and microscopic organisms found in the sediment.

Behavior Patterns

They are aquatic larvae that live in silken tubes in the sediment. They contain hemoglobin (giving them their red color), which allows them to survive in very low-oxygen environments. They eventually pupate and emerge as non-biting midges.

Risks & Benefits

They are harmless to humans and do not bite or sting. They are highly beneficial to ecosystems as a primary food source for fish and birds, and they help recycle organic matter in waterways.

Identified on: 4/23/2026