Chironomidae is a large and common family of small flies. Many midge larvae are aquatic, some known as “bloodworms” for their distinctive red color. This red color comes from hemoglobin, which stores oxygen and allows the larvae to live in harsh, low oxygen waters. Because of their abundance, bloodworms serve as a significant food source for fish and other aquatic animals. As adults, midges can also be seen congregating in large mating swarms near fresh water. Because of their similar body type, midges are often mistaken for mosquitoes though they do not bite. Although insects are usually not found in the ocean, the marine midge (Telmatogeton macswaini) occurs in the intertidal zone around sea lettuce.

The Coal Oil Point Reserve collection has 12 species of midges.

Midge Photos (click to enlarge)
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