Bloodworm

Freshwater lake and pond sediments, particularly in slow-moving or stagnant water.

Detritus, organic matter, and microscopic algae found in bottom sediments.

They live in protective tubes in the sediment and use hemoglobin to survive in low-oxygen environments; they eventually pupate and emerge as non-biting midges.

Beneficial to ecosystems as a vital food source for fish and waterfowl, though they can occasionally indicates poor water quality or nutrient loading.