A Review on Chironomidae (Diptera) of the Eastern Himalayan Region: An Insight into Distribution and Conservation

Abstract

The Chironomidae (Diptera) commonly known as “midges”, are the most widely distributed and frequently the most abundant group of insects in freshwater ecosystems. Chironomids larvae plays a key ecological role in the maintenance of aquatic ecosystem services, mainly in secondary production and energy flow dynamics [1]. They are the freshwater bio-monitoring indicators of pollution, habitat modifications, and natural changes of water quality [2,3], and is a model which helps to predict diversity and strength of food web of aquatic communities [4]. The objective of the study is to highlight the distribution pattern, biodiversity and the status of conservation of Eastern Himalaya region species of the family Chironomidae. The 'Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot' is indeed a "store house of biodiversity" because of its rich spectrum of species of flora and fauna including insect species which have been remaining unexplored. This study is a descriptive analysis to assay the main trends on Chironomidae research in freshwater assessments like ecology, palaeolimnology, biogeography, cytology, developmental and eco-toxicological research in Eastern Himalaya region. Finally the review work helps to get a more comprehensive picture of fauna of chironomids in the Eastern Himalayas in relation to those reported earlier from other parts of the globe.