We found the Midge larvae in our wetlands while we were creating our contour lines for mapping.
Initially, we thought they were another species of worm but after research we confirmed that they were Midge larvae.
Mr. Foley took a picture of them and showed it to Mr Long.
Mr. Long then tweeted it and received a reply saying that they were “Chironomidaes” which are Midge Larvae.
Below is some information I found out about Midges.
Facts
The eggs take 2-3 weeks to hatch depending on the conditions.
The first instar is planktonic this is when the cocoon is floating at the top of the water and as the stages go on the cocoon descends under the water
The pupal stage is short and only lasts a few hours.
When the pupal stage ends the adult breaks out from the cocoon and swims to the top of the water and pulls itself out of the protective pupal layer that was protecting it.
Species with one year of life emerge in the spring, late autumn and winter species with two years of life emerge as adults in spring, summer and early winter.
Most Midge species have only one or two life cycles per year but some may have up to four life cycles per year.
It may take over a year to complete a life cycle.
Initially, we thought they were another species of worm but after research we confirmed that they were Midge larvae.
Mr. Foley took a picture of them and showed it to Mr Long.
Mr. Long then tweeted it and received a reply saying that they were “Chironomidaes” which are Midge Larvae.
Below is some information I found out about Midges.
Facts
- There are over 2,000 species of Midge larvae in the World.
- There are around 200 species of Midge larvae in Ireland.
- Their natural habitat is near rivers or lakes.
- They go through 4 stages of life.
- The adults are often seen hovering over water.
- The Midge lives near wetlands, rivers and lakes mainly because they feed off of algae.
- Some of the many species of Midge can absorb oxygen so that they can live in places with less oxygen, this also includes heavily polluted areas e.g. Cities, Industrial or Manufacturing plants.
- Adult Midges usually stay near their home.
- Eggs
The eggs take 2-3 weeks to hatch depending on the conditions.
- Larvae
The first instar is planktonic this is when the cocoon is floating at the top of the water and as the stages go on the cocoon descends under the water
- Pupal
The pupal stage is short and only lasts a few hours.
When the pupal stage ends the adult breaks out from the cocoon and swims to the top of the water and pulls itself out of the protective pupal layer that was protecting it.
- Adult
Species with one year of life emerge in the spring, late autumn and winter species with two years of life emerge as adults in spring, summer and early winter.
Most Midge species have only one or two life cycles per year but some may have up to four life cycles per year.
It may take over a year to complete a life cycle.