Chironomidae are the most diverse group of stream insects, including many different feeding groups, habitat preferences, and tolerance levels.  They often make up about one third of the macroinvertebrate fauna of freshwater streams and rivers, with around 800 species known from the southeastern United States.  This group has enormous potential as water quality indicators, but the lack of good identification guides has impeded their use by many stream ecologists.

The "Identification Manual for the Larval Chironomidae (Diptera) of North and South Carolina" is the culmination of a four-year project by Dr. John Epler (johnepler@earthlink.net).  This project was funded by a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency, administered by the North Carolina Division of Water Quality.  While this key is intended for use with North Carolina/South Carolina specimens, it should work well for most of the eastern United States.  

Introduction

Telmatogetoninae
Podonominae
Tanypodinae
Diamesinae
Prodiamesinae
Orthocladiinae
Chironominae

Checklist

Bibliography