The Chironomidae. The Biology and Ecology of Non-biting Midges

Introduction. Taxonmomy, morphology and biogeography. Morphology. Systematics. Biogeography. Biology, behaviour and ecology. Biology of the eggs and first-instar larvae. The habitats of chironomid larvae. Larval food and feeding behaviour. The pupa and events leading to eclosion. Behaviour and ecology of adults. Life cycles and population dynamics. Production ecology. Species interactions and community structure. Interactions with humans. Nuisance, economic impact and possiblities for control. Medical significance. Classification of water-bodies and pollution. Chironomids as indicators of past environmental change. Chironomidae as food. Conclusions. References. Index.