Cricotopus Bicinctus Research Articles

Chironomidae (Diptera) of Croatia with notes on the diversity and distribution in various habitat types.

The family of non-biting midges (Diptera, Chironomidae) represent one of the most common and abundant group in freshwaters, inhabiting a wide variety of habitats and ecological niches. Although there is a long tradition of limnological research in Croatia, to date no extensive species list has been made for this insect family. Thus, we summarized the results of our research and reviewed published data on chironomid fauna of Croatia in various freshwater habitat types, including extreme ones, such as caves, peatbogs or marine littoral. A total of 239 species were recorded representing five subfamilies: Chironominae (125 species) Orthocladiinae (83 species), Tanypodinae (23 species), Diamesinae (6 species) and Prodiamesinae (2 species). The most frequent species were Cricotopus bicinctus, Dicrotendipes nervosus, Synorthocladius semivirens, each found in more than 20% of the studied localities. Ablabesmyia monilis and Procladius choreus represented the most frequent Tanypodinae species, recorded in more than 12% and 17% of the sites, respectively. The research of chironomid ecology, diversity and distribution continues, which will provide new data and information, but this first comprehensive checklist provides a good starting point for those studying Chironomidae or other freshwater Diptera, in Croatia and Europe.

Classification and Distribution of Chironomidae (Diptera) using DNA Barcoding at Urban Streams in Gwangju, South Korea

Chironomid communities are indicators of water pollution because of their ability to thrive under freshwater conditions. However, it is difficult to distinguish between chironomid larvae based on morphology. DNA barcoding, based on nucleotide sequences of marker genes, can be used to identify chironomid larvae. Samples of chironomid larvae were collected from Gwangju Stream and Pungyeongjeong Stream, tributaries of the Yeongsan River in South Korea. We identified 3 subfamilies, 13 genera, 16 species, and 1 cryptic species. There were 7 genera and 10 species from the subfamily Chironominae, 5 genera and 5 species from subfamily Orthocladiinae, 1 genus and 1 species from subfamily Tanipodinae, and the cryptic chironomid species of the family Chironomidae. There were 21 individuals from, 7 species and 1 cryptic species from the Gwangju Stream and 24 individuals, belonging to 10 species from the Pungyeongjeong Stream. The only species detected in both streams was Cricotopus bicinctus. The relationship between water quality and the species detected was difficult to explain, but the number of species showed a tendency to increase at sites where water quality was poor. Additional investigations and studies are needed to understand the relationship between water quality and the chironomid species occurring in these two streams.

Survey of IgE Reactivity to Nonbiting Midges in Korea and Identification of IgE-Binding Protein.

PurposeChironomids (nonbiting midges) are widely and abundantly distributed near ponds, rivers, and artificially dammed pools used for irrigation. Chironomids contain allergens and cause airway allergy in humans. In this study, we aimed to examine the allergic potential of chironomids in inhabitants living near artificially dammed pools.MethodsWe examined immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactivity to chironomid extracts in the sera of residents living around installed dams and assessed the correlations of IgE responses between chironomids (Chironomus flaviplumus, Chironomus kiiensis, Cricotopus bicinctus) and house dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae). In addition, we identified potential IgE binding proteins specific for adult C. bicinctus, a popular species in Korea. Specific IgE antibodies in sera collected from the participants against the extracts were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe average IgE-positive rates were 10.4%, 8.1%, and 8.2% in C. bicinctus, C. flaviplumus, and C. kiiensis, respectively. The IgE-positive rate and IgE titer of C. bicinctus antigen were higher in residents living around installed dams than in those who lived other places (P = 0.013). Western blotting using sera having high IgE titers to C. bicinctus in ELISA showed the presence of a protein of approximately 42 kDa that was homologous to the actin protein isoform in C. bicinctus extracts as demonstrated using mass spectrometry.ConclusionsOur results showed that people living near installed dams were more sensitized to C. bicinctus and that the 42 kDa IgE-binding protein could be useful for further studies on chironomid allergic disease and clinical applications.

Spatial and temporal distribution of aquatic insects in the Dicle (Tigris) River Basin, Turkey, with new records

We investigated insects of the Dicle (Tigris) River Basin in terms of their composition and spatiotemporal distribution. Larvae, pupae, pupal exuviae, and nymphs of insects were obtained from samples collected by a plankton net monthly during a 1-year period in 2008 and 2009 at seven different sites of the Dicle (Tigris) River Basin. A total of 35 taxa from the orders Trichoptera (1 taxon), Ephemeroptera (3 taxa), and Diptera (31 taxa) were identified. Chironomidae (Diptera) was the most diverse group and was represented by three major subfamilies, namely Tanypodinae (2 taxa), Orthocladiinae (19 taxa), and Chironominae (7 taxa). Among these species, Nanocladius (Nanocladius) spiniplenus Saether, 1977 is a new record for Turkey as well as for western Asia. In addition, the Psychomyia larvae found for the first time in the Dicle (Tigris) River Basin (Turkey) were described. Both taxa have been illustrated to warrant validation. Taxa number varied spatially from 6 to 14 and temporally from 2 to 12 during the sampling period. Along the river, Cricotopus bicinctus and Orthocladius (S.) holsatus were the most common taxa.

Environmental factors affecting the distribution of Chironomid larvae of the Seybouse wadi, North-Eastern Algeria

A survey of the Seybouse wadi (North-Eastern Algeria) between 2008 and 2011 was conducted in 26 sampling sites located on the main river and its tributaries using chironomids. From 3264 collected larvae, forty-five chironomid species were identified, and were correlated to 13 environmental variables to predict determinant factors affecting their distribution. Indicator value (IndVal) analysis was first performed to determine indicator chironomid species according to several factors (sites, seasons, source distance, granulometry, conductivity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, water velocity, pollution and the abundance of filamentous algae). Co-inertia analysis (CoIA) supported the IndVal results, emphasising an upstream/downstream gradient in the first axis, while a granulometry gradient was emphasised by the second axis. A pollution gradient was also highlighted in the plane of the first two axes, separating tolerant Chironomus sp. 1, Cricotopus bicinctus and Cricotopus (Isocladius) sylvestris from intolerant species as Phaenopsectra flavipes, Rheotanytarsus sp.1 and Cladotanytarsus sp. 1.

Epilithic chironomid larvae and water enrichment: is larval distribution explained by epilithon quantity or quality?

The effects of nutrient enrichment of stream water on epilithic chironomid larval assemblages were examined during spring in a Mediterranean catchment. Three reaches that differed in degree of enrichment were selected for comparison. Water chemistry, epilithon biomass (as ash-free dry mass (AFDM)), epilithic algal biomass (as chlorophyll a (chl a)), algal biovolumes, and algal composition were analyzed to determine their association with density and taxonomic composition of epilithic chironomids. Kendall's s coefficient of rank correlations and canonical correlation analysis were used to evaluate correlations between the chironomid and algal assemblages. Significant correlations were found between chironomid larval densities and total algal cell densities and biovolumes. Chironomid larval densities were not significantly correlated with chl a or AFDM. Several contrasting trends were identified in the relationships between chironomid and algal assemblages. Densities of fixed-tube scrapers, such as Eukiefferiella claripennis and Cricotopus bicinctus, were strongly correlated with biovolumes of Rhodophyceae and Diatomophyceae, whereas densities of free- living scrapers, such as Thienemaniella, were slightly correlated with Chlorophyceae biovolume. Therefore, nutrient enrichment strongly influenced epilithic chironomid assemblage structure through its effects on biovolumes and cell densities of the epilithic algal assemblages.

Ecological Requirements of Chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae) on the Soft Bottom of the River Arrone, Central Italy

ABSTRACT The distribution and abundance of soft bottom chironomids in an organically polluted lowland river of Central Italy were investigated relative to correlations with physicochemical parameters of the water and sediments. Chironomus were the dominant tribe in the river with the highest density at the most polluted stations. Chironomus riparius showed the highest annual mean densities at the very highly polluted station, where it was the dominant species in late spring and summer. At the same station, Micropsectra sp., Polypedilum breviantennatum, Cryptochironomus sp., Harnischia sp. and Cricotopus bicinctus replaced C. riparius in winter, when the environmental conditions improved slightly. Densities of all the above mentioned taxa generally showed a positive correlation with the orthophosphate and BOD5 contents and a negative correlation with the oxygen content. C. riparius, Micropsectra sp. and Harnischia sp. preferred fine sediments (silt/clay and very fine sand) with high organic matter content, whereas P. breviantennatum was mostly confined to sandy stations. Robackia demejerei, Acalcarella sp., Rheosmittia spinicornis and Paracladopelma cloris group were present and/or abundant exclusively at unstable sandy stations with summer regulation of the water. Principal Component Analyses based on chironomid densities seems to provide an integrated response to the effects of both physical (hydraulic stress and granulometric composition of the sediment) and chemical characteristics (organic pollution) of the river.

Pupal exuviae as descriptors of the chironomid (Diptera: Nematocera) communities of large rivers mssub.1996-02-07

This study firstly compares the sample structure of the chironomid assemblage of a given station (a dyke field of the Lower Rhone River), obtained by two methods: net tows and emergence traps (at five different dates). Secondly, it compares the records obtained using a single method (the collection of the drifting pupal exuviae) at different times of day, in three different cases. Net tows provided lower densities than those recorded with emergence traps, but higher species richness values per total number of individuals. Highest abundance of Thienemanniella spp., Rheocricotopus atripes, Dicrotendipes nervosus, Paratanytarsus dissimilis and Cricotopus bicinctus, and in contrast relatively low abundance of Cladotanytarsus mancus, Microchironomus tener and Procladius choreus + sagitallis, occurred in net samples, these differences being correlated with the microhabitat occupied by each species. Drift samples collected over 48 h periods showed a great variability in the numbers of individuals and species. A single drift sample seems to be incapable of integrating the strong circadian variability of species emergence, especially in the liver channel. In this station, sample structure changed gradually over the course of the day with some species only occurring at night (e.g., Polypedilum aegyptium + quadriguttatum) and others only in the day (e.g., Nanocladius bicolor + rectinervis + distinctus).

Territory Abandonment, Theft, and Recycling by a Lotic Grazer: A Foraging Strategy for Hard Times

The foraging behavior of Cricotopus bicinctus (Diptera: Chironomidae) was examined in a highly productive warmwater stream by means of in situ time-lapse cinematography. Larvae that consume periphyton routinely depleted and abandoned feeding territories, which they nonetheless defended during the depletion phase. This behavior resulted in cycles of territory establishment and abandonment with a mean period of approximately 3 h. Larvae in search of territories routinely engaged in aggressive interactions with neighboring territory-holders and occasionally commandeered occupied sites (territory theft). Transient larvae also frequently occupied abandoned sites, reusing the central tube structure and foraging in the same surrounding territory (territory recycling). A depletion-frequency sensitive cost/benefit model of feeding territoriality is developed to examine the relative costs of defense, theft, and recyling. Defense is shown to yield net energy gains when competitor incursions reduce territory depletion times by as little as 2-3%. Territory theft and recyling mitigate the loss of resources to competitors by increasing time available for foraging. We argue that these behaviors are critical additions to the larvae's foraging strategy, which enable them to achieve a positive net energy balance in an energetically marginal foraging environment.

Secondary production of Chironomidae (Diptera) in a north temperate stream

SUMMARY 1. Secondary production of chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae) in a third‐order northern Indiana stream was estimated using species‐specific, and in most cases cohort‐specific, life‐history data from the field.2. Chironomid life‐history patterns were diverse, ranging from one to four generations per year in addition to asynchronous development. Cohort production intervals (CPI) for all taxa ranged from 56 to 266 days. CPI for cohorts of conspecifics differed up to 3‐fold.3. Annual secondary production was estimated using the instantaneous growth method or the size—frequency method depending on whether cohorts were distinguishable or not. Total annual chironomid production was 29 700 mg dry mass m−2, which is the highest value reported for chironomids from a north temperate stream.4. Eighty per cent of the total chironomid production was attributed to five species: Diamesa nivoriunda (33.9%), Cricotopus bicinctus (16.6%), Pagastia sp. (10.2%), C. trifascia (9.7%) and Orthodadius obumbratus (9.6%).5. The annual P:B ratio ranged from 4.7 to 21.9. Thus, high secondary production was due to high mean annual standing stocks and not to rapid biomass turnover.

Pseudosmittia aizaiensis, a new species of orthocladiinae (Diptera, Chironomidae) from human province of China

Male and female adult midges ofPseudosmittia aizaiensis sp.n. are described and illustrated with figures of morphological characters. The inferior volsella of gonocoxite with large lobes, the long but equal width gonostylus, and the small projection in basal part of outer margin are the characters that may separate this species from others. One larva of this genus is purely aquatic in habitat and is associated with Cricotopus bicinctus,Cardiocladius capucinus andPolypedilum sp. in the same algae debris (Spirogyra sp.) of the Dunghe River. Further, the larva's very short SI and SII bifids, its 5 pairs of lateral teeth on mentum and its absence of premandible brush are the characters that may also separate this species from any known species of this genus.

The influence of aquatic macrophyte identity on the composition of the chironomid fauna in a former gravel pit in Berkshire, England

Emergence traps were used in early July to compare the chironomid faunas of four biotopes, Silt, Polygonum, Myriophyllum and Typha in a gravel pit lake. Marked differences were found between the faunas, especially in terms of the relative abundance of the component species. Species particularly associated with the Typha biotope were the plant miners Cricotopus obnixus and Glyptotendipes pallens the epiphyton grazer Tanytarsus usmaensis and three species which lived amongst the decaying leaf litter, Prodadius choreus, Chironomus venustus and Tanytarsus verralli. In comparison, the Polygonum fauna was characterized by the epiphyton grazers Cricotopus sylvestris, Corynoneura edwardsi and T. usmaensis along with the detritivores Polypedilum nubeculosum and Microtendipes pedellus whereas the Silt fauna was characterized by the detritivores Cricotopus bicinctus, Limnochironomus pulsus and Cladotanytarsus atridorsum. The Myriophyllum biotope had a very impoverished fauna.

Spatial Distribution of Chironomid Larvae (Diptera) on Leaves of the Bulrush in a Chalk Stream

Spatial Distribution of Chironomid Larvae (Diptera) on Leaves of the Bulrush in a Chalk Stream

Some effects of organic pollution on the distribution and seasonal incidence of Chironomidae in riffles in the River Cole

SUMMARY. The effects of a sewage effluent discharge into the River Cole, Birmingham, were determined by regular collections of water and biological samples from six comparable stations, one above and five below the sewage effluent. The effluent reduced the dissolved oxygen concentration and increased the ammonia, orthophosphate and BOD concentrations in the water. The effects were much more severe during the summer.The Chironomidae were very important constituents of the benthic macroinvertebrate community at the stations downstream of the effluent. Larval densities of over 30,000 m−2 were recorded. Eleven species were common and of these Chironomus riparius was the most tolerant. There was considerable variation in the seasonal incidence of the different species. Brillia longifurca was most abundant in the spring while Cricotopus bicinctus was most abundant in the summer. Brillia longifurca, Paratrichocladius rufiventris, Prodiamesa olivacea, Micropsectra atrofasciata and Eukiefferiella claripennis had three peaks in numbers of larvae during the year.The increase in the polluted state of the river in the summer resulted in changes in the chironomid populations. Some were suppressed, e.g. E. claripennis, while C. riparius extended its range and achieved maximum abundance further downstream during the summer.

Diel Periodicity of Chironomid 1 Larval and Pupal Drift in an Urban Flood Control Channel System

The diel drift periodicity of chironomid larvae and pupae in a flood control channel system was investigated on 4 occasions. A 15-min drift sample was collected every h over a period of 24 h by using a 130-μm pore plankton net. Hourly changes in current velocity and water temperature, and time of sunset and sunrise were recorded during each diel period. Larvae and pupae of Cricotopus bicinctus (Meigen), C. sylvestris (F.), Chironomus decorus Johannsen, and pupae of Paralauterborniella subcincta (Townes) drifted in higher numbers in darkness than in the daylight periods, with maximum numbers occurring within 5 h after sunset. Larvae of P. subcincta drifted more during the daytime. Water temperature and current velocity seem to have very little effect on numerical increases or decreases of these midge species in drift, except for larvae of P. subcincta . Darkness is considered to be the major entraining factor for the higher numbers of larvae and pupae of C. bicinctus , C. sylvestris , C. decorus , and pupae of P. subcincta occuring in drift during a diet period.

Life Histories of Cricotopus (Cricotopus) bicinctus and C. (C.) mackenziensis (Diptera: Chironomidae) in the Fort Simpson Area, Northwest Territories

Cricotopus (Cricotopus) bicinctus (Meigen) and C. (C.) mackenziensis Oliver emerge from June to September in the Fort Simpson area, Northwest Territories. Cricotopus bicinctus begins and ends emerging later than C. mackenziensis. Cricotopus bicinctus apparently produces a mixture of two and three generations per year, whereas C. mackenziensis apparently produces three generations per year. Both species overwinter mainly in the second instar. Emergence data from other studies, when reevaluated, appear to underestimate the number of generations produced by C. bicinctus, indicating a similar number of generations as in the Fort Simpson area.

Responses to Crude Oil Contamination by Cricotopus (Cricotopus) bicinctus and C. (C.) mackenziensis (Diptera: Chironomidae) in the Fort Simpson Area, Northwest Territories

Cricotopus (Cricotopus) bicinctus (Meigen) and C. (C.) mackenziensis Oliver, two common species of Chironomidae in the Fort Simpson area, N.W.T., were examined for changes resulting from experimental field exposure to Norman Wells crude oil. Larvae of both species were always present in higher numbers on oiled than unoiled artificial substrates but numbers of C. bicinctus increased more quickly than C. mackenziensis in response to the oil. Cricotopus mackenziensis larvae occurred in higher numbers than C. bicinctus larvae on unoiled artificial substrates. Cricotopus bicinctus tended to dominate C. mackenziensis on oiled artificial substrates. Size of larvae, as measured by head capsule width, was unaffected by increased food supply during periods of maximum algal biomass on oiled artificial substrates. Larvae on oiled artificial substrates apparently produced part of another generation when compared to larvae on unoiled artificial substrates.

Bicinctus-Group of the Genus Cricotopus Van der Wulp (Diptera: Chironomidae) in the Nearctic with a Description of a New Species

Three species, Cricotopus bicinctus (Meigen), C. vierriensis Goetghebuer, and C. mackenziensis n.sp., in the bicinctus-group of the genus Cricotopus Van der Wulp are now known to occur in the Nearctic. The new species is described from the Fort Simpson area, Northwest Territories, and compared with a closely related species, Cricotopus (s.s.) bicinctus. Most of the differences between the two species are related to the smaller size of C. mackenziensis.

Growth and Development of Larval Chironomidae

Development rates, length-age growth rates and length-weight relationships were measured for twelve species of larval chironomid from the River Thames, UK. at 10, 15 and 20'C. From these data weight-age growth rates were calculated. The relationship between the weight (W) of a larva and its length (L) was described as a power function: W = aLb. The exponent b was found to depend on the size of the larva at maturation. The type of food fed to the larva of Ablabesmyia monilis L. greatly effected growth and development rates. Larvae of Cricotopus bicinctus (Meig.) responded to an increase of temperature from 15 to 20'C by an increase in development rate but not of growth rate, whilst the other species studied responded by an increase in both.

Community and Species Responses of Chironomidae (Diptera) to Contamination of Fresh Waters by Crude Oil and Petroleum Products, with Special Reference to the Trail River, Northwest Territories

On oiled and unoiled artificial substrates in the Trail River, Northwest Territories, communities of Chironomidae were different during open-water periods but were similar over the winter. Greater numbers of species and individuals of Orthocladiinae occurred on the oiled than on the unoiled artificial substrates. The reverse was true for Tanypodinae and Chironominae. Ten species of Chironomidae showed a positive response to the presence of oil, 9 species showed a negative response, and 10 species were apparently unaffected. Based on the results of this study and a literature review, 11 species of Chironomidae showing either positive or negative responses to contamination by oil or petroleum products were evaluated for their potential to indicate oil contamination of freshwater ecosystems. Three criteria were used: taxonomic soundness, wide zoogeographic distribution, and numbers in the community. We predict that Nilotanypus fimbriatus (Walk.), Cricotopus bicinctus (Meig.), and C. varipes Coq., individually or as an assemblage, would fulfill this role.