Abstract
This review examines the ecological, economical, and public health significance of chironomids and provides examples of chironomid invasions via international shipping and the subsequent local and regional impacts. Dispersal and adaptation mechanisms as facilitators of chironomid invasions are presented, and control methods are discussed. Impacts ranged from increased nuisance occurrences to agricultural disruption. Anthropogenic activities including pollution-related decimation of aquatic benthic communities might allow introduction of invasive chironomids. Chironomids can inhabit many environments, including eutrophic lakes and wastewater treatment areas, and may accumulate contaminants in high concentrations. Health concerns include the association of chironomid egg masses with Vibrio cholerae, roles of chironomids as vectors for avian botulism, and effects of chironomid chemicals as human allergens. Therefore, the presence of new chironomid species in an environment may present threats to public health and local ecosystems.
Highlights
Chironomids are important organisms to consider from an invasive species perspective
Chironomids exemplify the characteristics of invasive species (Demoor 1992)
With four of six cases represented, the most common effects were related to the colonization and disruption of man-made aquatic infrastructure and agriculture (P. nubifer, C. calligraphus, C. columbiensis, and C. bicinctus), which can lead to economic loss and increased nuisance presence in populated areas
Summary
Chironomids are important organisms to consider from an invasive species perspective. Larvae of certain species are able to undergo complete desiccation and be revived under more amenable conditions (Hilton 1952) They can exist in temporary aquatic environments and adapt by digging deeper into sediment to find their preferred conditions (Frouz et al 2003). Their resilient and rapid colonizing capabilities make them highly suitable for successful invasion of new territories. Previous instances of successful chironomid invasions (Jacobsen and Perry 2007) confirm the invasive potential of this adaptable group of organisms
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