Laboratory Rearing Methodology for Chironomidae (Diptera) of Lotic Environments

Abstract

The taxonomy of Chironomidae is strongly supported by the integration of morphological characteristics of all stages of the life cycle, which can be obtained through laboratory rearing. This study was developed in laboratory to test rearing method for lotic Chironomidae larvae. The method included constant water circulation and different food items. This methodology allowed obtaining associations of larva, pupa and adult stages for the identification of species from an Argentinean region in which the knowledge of Chironomidae family is incipient.

Keywords

• arroyos
• insectos acuáticos
• ritron
• aquatic insects
• rithron
• streams.