Abstract
Hellgrammite nymphs (Nigronia serricornis Say) were collected in streams of southern Maine, 1995-1996, to assess the rate of phoresy by midge larvae. The number, location, and identification of phoretic midge larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae) were recorded for each nymph. Nanocladius (Plecopteracoluthus) n. sp. was the only chironomid species identified from hellgrammite hosts. Phoretic midges occurred in three of four populations and were observed on approximately 55% of all individuals examined (n = 108). However, frequency of phoresy ranged from 0 to 86.4%, depending on the stream. Midge phoretics occurred at a mean rate of over 1.5 per host and the number of phoretics was significantly correlated with host head capsule width. The dorsum of the first abdominal segment was the most frequent attachment site for midges. Observed frequency of phoresy in these streams were similar to published rates for chironomid/hellgrammite associations. This is the first documentation of chironomid phoresy on hellgrammites in Maine.
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