Adult Midges Research Articles

Molecular identification of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) species in Algeria

Bluetongue is a serious vector-borne viral disease that infects wild and domestic ruminants. The causative virus is transmitted by midges of the genus Culicoides, which consists of at least 1350 species worldwide. Since 1998, bluetongue disease has spread to Europe and northern Africa, including Algeria. To better understand the distribution of Culicoides species in Algeria, adult midges were collected from 17 different regions in Algeria from 2009 to 2015. At first, 492 specimens were grouped into 52 batches by wing patterns and geographic area of Algeria. Analysis of 60 nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene showed that the presence of 14 species including five unknown species, which were belonged to seven distinct subgenera. At least five species (C. imicola, C. obsoletus, C. puncticollis, C. kingi, and C. newsteadi) were discussed as potential vectors of bluetongue virus (BTV). The present study provides important insights into the genetic diversity of Culicoides and the potential spread of BTV in Algeria.

Floral Odors and the Interaction between Pollinating Ceratopogonid Midges and Cacao

Most plant species depend upon insect pollination services, including many cash and subsistence crops. Plants compete to attract those insects using visual cues and floral odor which pollinators associate with a reward. The cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, has a highly specialized floral morphology permitting pollination primarily by Ceratopogonid midges. However, these insects do not depend upon cacao flowers for their life cycle, and can use other sugar sources. To understand how floral cues mediate pollination in cacao we developed a method for rearing Ceratopogonidae through several complete lifecycles to provide material for bioassays. We carried out collection and analysis of cacao floral volatiles, and identified a bouquet made up exclusively of saturated and unsaturated, straight-chain hydrocarbons, which is unusual among floral odors. The most abundant components were tridecane, pentadecane, (Z)-7-pentadecene and (Z)-8-heptadecene with a heptadecadiene and heptadecatriene as minor components. We presented adult midges, Forcipomyia sp. (subgen. Forcipomyia), Culicoides paraensis and Dasyhelea borgmeieri, with natural and synthetic cacao flower odors in choice assays. Midges showed weak attraction to the complete natural floral odor in the assay, with no significant evidence of interspecific differences. This suggests that cacao floral volatiles play a role in pollinator behavior. Midges were not attracted to a synthetic blend of the above four major components of cacao flower odor, indicating that a more complete blend is required for attraction. Our findings indicate that cacao pollination is likely facilitated by the volatile blend released by flowers, and that the system involves a generalized odor response common to different species of Ceratopogonidae.

Laboratory evaluation of stable isotope labeling of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for adult dispersal studies

BackgroundStable isotope labeling is a promising method for use in insect mark-capture and dispersal studies. Culicoides biting midges, which transmit several important animal pathogens, including bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), are small flies that develop in various semi-aquatic habitats. Previous Culicoides dispersal studies have suffered from the limitations of other labeling techniques, and an inability to definitively connect collected adult midges to specific immature development sites.ResultsAdult C. sonorensis were successfully labeled with 13C and 15N stable isotopes as larvae developing in a semi-aquatic mud substrate in the laboratory. High and low-dose isotope treatments for both elements significantly enriched midges above the background isotope levels of unenriched controls. Enrichment had no effect on C. sonorensis survival, though a slight (~ 5 day) delay in emergence was observed, and there was no significant effect of pool size on 13C or 15N enrichment levels.ConclusionsStable isotope labeling is life-long, and does not interfere with natural insect behaviors. Stable isotope enrichment using 13C or 15N shows promise for Culicoides dispersal studies in the field. This method can be used to identify adult dispersal from larval source habitat where a midge developed. It may be possible to detect a single enriched midge in a pool of unenriched individuals, though further testing is needed to confirm the sensitivity of this method.

Reducing allochthonous resources in a subarctic grassland alters arthropod food webs via predator diet and density

AbstractEmergent aquatic insects can be major conduits of resources moving from freshwater to adjacent terrestrial ecosystems. These allochthonous resources can influence the structure and function of adjacent ecosystems, yet their effect on arthropod consumer populations remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated how flying adult midges influence terrestrial arthropod food webs in subarctic grasslands by blocking midge inputs over four years in 2 × 2‐m plots near the shore of Lake Mývatn, Iceland, where midge abundances are naturally high. We examined responses of terrestrial arthropods by measuring their densities, community composition, and stable isotopes (δ13C) in midge‐exclusion and open (control) plots. Cage treatments significantly reduced midge deposition into exclusion plots (99% reduction) relative to control plots but were designed to allow ground‐active arthropods to move freely among plots. Predator densities (e.g., spiders and harvestmen) were on average 30% lower in exclusion plots relative to control plots, while no other trophic guild (detritivores, omnivores, or herbivores) showed a response to midge exclusion. As a result, blocking midges shifted arthropod communities toward a composition dominated by springtails, mites, and aphids relative to large predators such as wolf spiders and harvestmen. All trophic guilds (detritivores, omnivores, and predators), except for herbivores, were more depleted in δ13C in midge‐exclusion plots, indicating an increased reliance on terrestrial (i.e., plant‐based) resources when midge inputs were blocked. Arthropod predators were the only guild that had both a depleted δ13C and a negative density response to midge exclusion. Apart from predators, these results indicate a weak association between resource type (aquatic vs. terrestrial) and density responses across most arthropod guilds in this grassland system. Overall, our findings suggest that aquatic insect subsidies have significant effects on terrestrial arthropod communities, but predators appear most responsive to insect allochthony in subarctic grasslands.

A New Chironomid with a Long Proboscis from Eocene Baltic Amber (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanypodinae)

Both sexes of a new fossil genus and species Eoprocladius hoffeinsorum gen. et sp. n. from Eocene Baltic amber are described and illustrated. This is the first report of a chironomid with such a long proboscis within the subfamily Tanypodinae and the tribe Procladiini. Within the family the elongated proboscis with narrow labella and suitable to feed on nectar evolved independently among Eocene and extant adult non-biting midges of the subfamilies Orthocladiinae and Tanypodinae. Djalmabatista maillardi Doitteau & Nel, 2007 from Eocene amber of France is placed in the extant genus Procladius Skuse: Procladius maillardi (Doitteau & Nel, 2007), comb. nov.

Occurrence of Chironomid Species (Diptera: Chironomidae) in the High Se-78 Concentrations and High pH of Fountain Creek Watershed, Colorado, USA

High selenium (Se) in watersheds can cause detrimental effects to many vertebrate species, but less is known regarding its effects on invertebrates comprising the basis of the food chain. This study addressed the response of a natural community of chironomid (midge) species to Se in 2 high-gradient streams that join to form a sandy-bottom front-range stream known to contain increasing downstream concentrations of Se. We identified a total of 151 species of adult male midges (n = 714) collected in 2007 and 2008 from 14 sites in the Fountain Creek Watershed, Colorado, USA. In the initial analysis, the midge community was assessed for possible effects of Se and pH by using binary sets of 25 variables by means of canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) procedures. Further computations revealed significant relationships between the presence of midges and spring total Se (P = 0.0006, unfiltered water), dissolved Se (P = 0.0006, filtered water), and pore water Se (P = 0.0034, interstitial water in coarse and fine gravels) in the spring season. In the fall, the community showed a significant response to total Se (P = 0.0500), a strong association with dissolved Se (P = 0.0044), and a weaker yet significant association with pore water Se (P = 0.1266). We have not found reports indicating either positive or negative responses of midges to increasing Se in field studies. Although there were no significant associations of midges with lower pH during the spring in any fraction of the water (P = 0.7367, 0.7367, and 0.7469, respectively), there were significant associations to higher pH during the fall in all fractions (P ≤ 0.0100). Mean concentrations of dissolved Se in lower-elevation sites ranged from 2.05 to 9.69 µg/L in the spring and from 2.67 to 18.59 µg/L in the fall; mean pH ranged from 7.5 to 7.8 in the spring and from 8.0 to 8.1 in the fall (2007). The association of silt/clay particles with the occurrence of midges was not significant in any of the waters in the spring or fall. Since some chironomid midges have a tendency to be found in areas exhibiting increasing Se in a downstream gradient in Fountain Creek, would they be found in similar water quality profiles in other watersheds? This possibility warrants serious study in other streams, particularly in the western United States where Se has been entering aquatic food chains of fish, birds, and mammals.

Zooplankton, zooplanktivorous fish and their interactions in Southeast Asian waterbodies with special reference to Sri Lanka: a review

Many countries in Southeast Asia have no natural lakes but reservoirs, flood-plains and rivers. The reservoirs are mainly inhabited by riverine fish species and introduced pelagic exotics. Benthivores, herbivores and detritivores dominate, whereas zooplanktivores are relatively rare (generally 4.6-9.5% of the fish community). Therefore, zooplanktivorours fish are not dominant in most Sri Lankan reservoirs and play only a minor role in the food web. In the Southeast Asian region, only small, often pelagic, zooplanktivorous fish species occur. They are either of riverine or marine origin. Observations were made that only six predominantly zooplanktivorous species viz a cyprinid from riverine origin Rasbora daniconius, a half beak from marine origin Hemiramphus limbatus, the glass perchlet Ambassis urotaenia and three freshwater clupeids from marine origin (Clupeichthys aesarnensis, Ehirava fluviatilis, Sardinella tawilis) inhabit the reservoirs in Southeast Asian countries such as Sri Lanka and Thailand and a lake in the Philippines. The highest percentages of zooplanktivory in the tropical region are observed in waterbodies which contain zooplanktivores of marine origin. These small pelagics are very productive, i.e., have relative high Annual Production/Biomass (P/B) ratios. P/B ratios of the small Southeast Asian pelagics ranged generally from 3-6, small clupeids showed the highest P/B ratios. Of the riverine species, R. daniconius is the most successful; it is a common species in the Sri Lankan reservoirs. This species is, however, not able to catch the small cladocerans and the cyclopoid copepods efficiently and fails completely to catch the fast moving calanoid copepods. Instead of feeding on larger zooplankton, they often feed on adult winged midges which are floating on the water surface. H. limbatus is not abundant in Sri Lankan reservoirs and its distribution is limited where only occasionally its densities are high enough to permit a profitable fisheries. Although the freshwater clupeids seem to be superior in their efficiency of collecting food organisms, their distribution is often limited. Despite their ability to build up stable and large populations in a handful of water bodies in the Philippines and Sri Lanka, they have a problem in dispersing into other freshwater lakes and reservoirs. In Thailand, the situation is different because C. aesarnensis is well adapted to riverine conditions and, therefore, present in all reservoirs with inflowing riverine habitats, but in most cases these stocks are still unexploited.

Oviposition preference, larval distribution and impact of the swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii, on growth and yield of canola

The swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii) has become a significant economic pest of canola (Brassica napus L.) in Ontario and an emergent pest in the Prairie provinces. Determining yield impacts of swede midge damage and the growth stage(s) at which canola is most vulnerable or attractive to swede midge will contribute to the development of pest management recommendations throughout the growth of the crop. In four experiments, canola plants were exposed to specific densities of adult swede midge and measures of oviposition, damage and yield were collected. There was a significant positive relationship between female density and total oviposition per plant with a very high capacity for larval numbers on canola; up to ~ 4000. Given a choice of four growth stages, approximately 85% of oviposition occurred on seven-leaf and early bud canola. Given no choice, the high total oviposition on 3-leaf and flowering stages suggests that swede midge will oviposit on less favorable canola growth stages, if no others are present. Damage sustained on primary racemes remained relatively constant over time. However, damage ratings on secondary and tertiary racemes decreased over time in the highest treatment densities, suggesting compensation by the plant. All yield measures, except seed weight per pod, significantly decreased with increasing female density on primary and/or secondary racemes. A density of ~ 0.6 females per plant resulted in 10% reductions in the number of pods and seed weight produced on primary racemes. These results support recommendations for insecticide applications at, or just prior to, the early bud stage.

Larval Development of Culicoides sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Mud Supplemented With Manure of Various Farm Animals.

Understanding factors that affect Culicoides larval development is critical in suppressing adult midge populations that transmit economically important pathogens to ruminants such as bluetongue virus and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus. In this study, development of Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) was investigated in sterilized mud mixed with varying concentrations (3.2, 6.4, 12.6, 25.0, 50.0, and 100.0%) of dairy cattle and white tailed deer manures. In addition, C. sonorensis development was also evaluated in manure (25.0% concentration) of six other farm animals (beef cattle, sheep, goat, pig, horse, and chicken). First instar larvae (~100/treatment) were added to each substrate, and adult emergence and development times were monitored for 90 d. In substrates with dairy cattle manure, significantly more adults emerged (≥76.7%) and development time was shorter (≤25.5 d) from 25.0% manure substrate than from lower or higher manure concentrations (≤41.3% emerged; ≥31.2 d). Comparatively, white-tailed deer and chicken manures supported C. sonorensis development poorly with low emergence rates (deer ≤ 13.0%; chicken = 0%) and longer development time (deer ≥ 29.0 d). Mud enriched with manure of beef cattle, sheep, goat, pig, and horse generally supported C. sonorensis development, although adult emergence and development times varied widely between species. These results suggest that manure of several farm animals, except for white-tailed deer and chicken, can contribute substantially to C. sonorensis development in the field. Therefore, the potential of animals other than cattle in sustaining local populations of C. sonorensis cannot be overlooked when designing management strategies.

Meteorological factors affecting seroconversion of Akabane disease in sentinel calves in the subtropical Okinawa Islands of Japan.

Akabane virus, the pathogen-causing Akabane disease, is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) transmitted by the Culicoides biting midge. A nationwide serological surveillance program for bovine arboviral diseases, including Akabane disease, has been established in Japan to monitor the circulation of arboviruses by targeting sentinel calves. Okinawa, which is located in the southwestern-most region of Japan, is a high-risk area for incursion of arboviruses. The aim of the present study was to identify the meteorological factors related to farm-level seroconversion of Akabane virus by analyzing the serological surveillance data for sentinel calves collected in Okinawa between 2007 and 2015. Rainfall in winter, spring, and autumn was positively associated with seroconversion. Adequate rainfall seems to keep the soil in a suitably moist state for growth and survival of biting midges. Maximum temperature in winter was also positively associated with seroconversion in sentinel calves. The warmer temperatures in winter may provide conditions suitable for shortening the larval development cycle and increase production of adult midges. Our findings indicate that meteorological factors such as temperature and rainfall may be important factors that produce circumstances conducive to effective transmission of the virus between vectors and the host. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the circulation of arboviruses and offer suggestions for developing better surveillance and measures to prevent arboviral disease.

LED ランプと蛍光管ランプに対する用水 路から発生する水生昆虫類の走光性 －ユスリカ類に注目して

LED ランプと蛍光管ランプに対する用水 路から発生する水生昆虫類の走光性 －ユスリカ類に注目して

Phototaxis of Propsilocerus akamusi (Diptera: Chironomidae) From a Shallow Eutrophic Lake in Response to Led Lamps.

A study on the attraction of adult Propsilocerus akamusi midges to different-colored light traps was carried out from October 21 to November 15, 2013. The 6 colored lights used in light-emitting diode (LED) lamps were white, green, red, blue, amber, and ultraviolet (UV). The UV lamp attracted the most P. akamusi, followed by green, white, blue, amber, and red. A white pulsed LED light attracted only half the number of midges as did a continuous-emission white LED light. The result indicated that manipulation of light color, considering that the red LED light and/or pulsed LED light are not as attractive as the other colors, may be appropriate for the development of an overall integrated strategy to control nuisance P. akamusi in the Lake Suwa area.

New record of an alien gall midge, Oligotrophus betheli (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on a North American Juniperus horizontalis (Cupressaceae) in Japan, with reference to its ecological traits and possibility of further dispersal and host range expansion

On the basis of adult morphological features together with the profile of infestation on the host plant, we identify a gall midge that is responsible for the discoloration of young twig tips of Juniperus horizontalis Moench (Cupressaceae) in Japan to be Oligotrophus betheli Felt (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Both O. betheli and J. horizontalis are native to North America. This is the sixth example of an alien gall midge on its alien host plant in Japan. Oligotrophus betheli is redescribed to offer some morphological characteristics that were not given previously. Information on the distribution, host range, life history pattern and daily activity of O. betheli is provided and the possibility of its further dispersal and host range expansion is discussed. A larval parasitoid is identified to the generic level and the effect of spiders that catch adult gall midges in their webs is discussed.

Mechanistic model for predicting the seasonal abundance of Culicoides biting midges and the impacts of insecticide control

BackgroundUnderstanding seasonal patterns of abundance of insect vectors is important for optimisation of control strategies of vector-borne diseases. Environmental drivers such as temperature, humidity and photoperiod influence vector abundance, but it is not generally known how these drivers combine to affect seasonal population dynamics.MethodsIn this paper, we derive and analyse a novel mechanistic stage-structured simulation model for Culicoides biting midges-the principle vectors of bluetongue and Schmallenberg viruses which cause mortality and morbidity in livestock and impact trade. We model variable life-history traits as functional forms that are dependent on environmental drivers, including air temperature, soil temperature and photoperiod. The model is fitted to Obsoletus group adult suction-trap data sampled daily at five locations throughout the UK for 2008.ResultsThe model predicts population dynamics that closely resemble UK field observations, including the characteristic biannual peaks of adult abundance. Using the model, we then investigate the effects of insecticide control, showing that control strategies focussing on the autumn peak of adult midge abundance have the highest impact in terms of population reduction in the autumn and averaged over the year. Conversely, control during the spring peak of adult abundance leads to adverse increases in adult abundance in the autumn peak.ConclusionsThe mechanisms of the biannual peaks of adult abundance, which are important features of midge seasonality in northern Europe and are key determinants of the risk of establishment and spread of midge-borne diseases, have been hypothesised over for many years. Our model suggests that the peaks correspond to two generations per year (bivoltine) are largely determined by pre-adult development. Furthermore, control strategies should focus on reducing the autumn peak since the immature stages are released from density-dependence regulation. We conclude that more extensive modelling of Culicoides biting midge populations in different geographical contexts will help to optimise control strategies and predictions of disease outbreaks.

Possible over-wintering of bluetongue virus in Culicoides populations in the Onderstepoort area, Gauteng, South Africa.

Several studies have demonstrated the ability of certain viruses to overwinter in arthropod vectors. The over-wintering mechanism of bluetongue virus (BTV) is unknown. One hypothesis is over-wintering within adult Culicoides midges (Diptera; Ceratopogonidae) that survive mild winters where temperatures seldom drop below 10 °C. The reduced activity of midges and the absence of outbreaks during winter may create the impression that the virus has disappeared from an area. Light traps were used in close association with horses to collect Culicoides midges from July 2010 to September 2011 in the Onderstepoort area, in Gauteng Province, South Africa. More than 500 000 Culicoides midges were collected from 88 collections and sorted to species level, revealing 26 different Culicoides species. Culicoides midges were present throughout the 15 month study. Nine Culicoides species potentially capable of transmitting BTV were present during the winter months. Midges were screened for the presence of BTV ribonucleic acid (RNA) with the aid of a real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. In total 91.2% of midge pools tested positive for BTV RNA. PCR results were compared with previous virus isolation results (VI) that demonstrated the presence of viruses in summer and autumn months. The results indicate that BTV-infected Culicoides vectors are present throughout the year in the study area. Viral RNA-positive midges were also found throughout the year with VI positive midge pools only in summer and early autumn. Midges that survive mild winter temperatures could therefore harbour BTV but with a decreased vector capacity. When the population size, biting rate and viral replication decrease, it could stop BTV transmission. Over-wintering of BTV in the Onderstepoort region could therefore result in re-emergence because of increased vector activity rather than reintroduction from outside the region.

Cover Caption

Insect ScienceVolume 23, Issue 5 CONTENTSFree Access Cover Caption First published: 19 September 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.12268AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Snow cover is an important environmental component which facilitates migration and as a stage of sexual behaviour for some aquatic Chironomidae of a winter emerging strategy. A community of at least 35 species active on the snow was found during a long-term study of adult non-biting midges in temperate areas of Poland. The fully-wings as well as brachypterous forms were documented to swarm on the snow and use the searching mating behaviour within some narrow temperature range of mid and late winter. (See pages 754–770). Photo provided by Agnieszka SoszyDska-Maj. Volume23, Issue5October 2016 RelatedInformation

A melting glacier feeds aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates with ancient carbon and supports early succession

ABSTRACTMore than 5000-yr-old organic material was released by a melting glacier in central southern Norway. The ancient carbon was bioavailable and supported early food chains. This was shown through high radiocarbon age in living aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. Young ponds acted as biological oases, where ancient carbon was assimilated by larvae of various Diptera: mainly Chironomidae, but also Tipulidae and Limoniidae. Within ponds, even predatory diving beetles had a high radiocarbon age. Adult chironomid midges with a radiocarbon age of 1040 yr transported ancient carbon to terrestrial predators among beetles, spiders, and harvestmen. Ancient carbon was also assimilated by chironomid larvae downstream in the glacier-fed river, and radiocarbon dating of chironomid larvae from glacial rivers will thus be an easy way to check whether a given glacier releases bioavailable ancient carbon. Our study indicates that the ancient organic particles were very small. We refer to studies from other countries showing that glaciers collect and release ancient carbon in the form of tiny, long-transported and biodegradable aerosol particles, which stem from the incomplete combustion of radiocarbon-depleted fossil fuels. All our results would fit with this mechanism.

Effects of Activated Carbon on PCB Bioaccumulation and Biological Responses of Chironomus riparius in Full Life Cycle Test.

The nonbiting midge Chironomus riparius was used to study the remediation potential and secondary effects of activated carbon (AC, ø 63-200 μm) in PCB contaminated sediments. AC amendments efficiently reduced PCB bioavailability determined by Chironomus riparius bioaccumulation tests and passive samplers. PCBs were shown to transfer from larvae to adults. Lower PCB concentrations were observed in adult midges emerging from AC amended compared to unamended sediments. Increased reproduction, survival, larval growth and gut wall microvilli length were observed with low AC dose (0.5% sediment dw) compared to unamended sediment, indicating an improved success of larvae in the sediment with low organic carbon content. On the other hand, higher AC doses (2.5% sediment dw) caused adverse effects on emergence and larval development. In addition, morphological changes in the gut wall microvilli layer were observed. This study showed that the secondary effects of AC amendments are dependent on the dose and the sediment characteristics. Metamorphic species, such as C. riparius, may act as a vector for organic pollutants from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems and according to this study the AC amendments may reduce this transport.

Responses of the aquatic midge Chironomus riparius to DEET exposure

N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) is the active ingredient of many commercial insect repellents. Despite being detected worldwide in effluents, surface water and groundwater, there is still limited information on DEET’s toxicity toward non-target aquatic invertebrates. Thus, our main objective was to assess the effects of DEET in the life cycle of Chironomus riparius and assess its biochemical effects. Laboratory assays showed that DEET reduced developmental rates (reduced larval growth, delayed emergence) of C. riparius larvae and also caused a decrease in the size of adult midges. Concerning the biochemical responses, a short exposure to DEET caused no effects in lipid peroxidation, despite the significant inhibition of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities and of total glutathione contents. Moreover, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity was also observed showing neurotoxic effects. Environmental risk assessment of insect repellents is needed. Our results showed moderate toxicity of DEET toward C. riparius, however, due to their mode of action, indirect ecological effects of DEET and of other insect repellents cannot be excluded and should be evaluated.

Fullerenes(nC60) affect the growth and development of the sediment-dwelling invertebrate Chironomus riparius larvae

The possible toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) to aquatic organisms needs to be investigated for chronic effects at low concentrations. Chronic effects of carbon NPs, fullerenesC60, on the midges of Chironomus riparius at different life stages on larvae and adult midges were investigated. Sediment associated fullerenesC60 were studied by 10-day growth and 42-day emergence tests with artificial sediment at nominal concentration ranges 0.0004–80 mg/kg dry weight. The body length decreased in the lower tested concentrations (0.0025–20 mg/kg), but the effect vanished with higher concentrations. Delayed emergence rate observed at 0.5 mg/kg. The observed effects correlated with analyzed sediment particle sizes indicating that small agglomerates of fullerene have more significant effects on C. riparius than larger agglomerates observed with higher C60 doses. The results reveal that fullerene may pose risks to benthic organisms, emerging as changes in the ecotoxic parameters studied here which inflects by the survival of the population.