Volume : III, Issue : IX, September - 2014

Morphological Identification of Chironomus Larvae in Jaipur District (Rajasthan) India

Mali Ram Sharma, Varsha Gupta

Abstract :

Chironomidae, also known as Chironomids, belongs to phylum Arthropoda”. The Chironomidae larva is most suitable animal to test aquatic toxicity of aquatic micro–pollutants. These are the most abundant macro–inverteates group in limnetic environments and freshwater ecosystems. Larval stages are found in almost any aquatic or semiaquatic habitat. Chironomidae undergoes through three ecdyses during the larval development. Different instars take different time to mature and varying from one species to another, while fourth instars often being longer than earlier instars. The pupal stage is relatively short; when pupa leaves exuviae on the water surface and the adult emerges. Larvae are ight red in color due to presence of hemoglobin; these are frequently known as "bloodworms". Holometabolous metamorphosis is found in this Chironomus larva. This larva bears anterior and posterior parapods and procerci well developed. Penultimate segment with 1–2 pairs of ventral tubules. 1–2 pairs of anal tubules present; striated ventromental plates are present. Median tooth of mentum not so far beyond lateral teeth; mentum bears 3 median teeth and 12 lateral teeth; mandibles with at least 2 inner teeth; antennae 4–8 segmented. Larvae were cultured in laboratory with controlled techniques. Permanent slides of these larvae were prepared using standard method. Photography of these larvae were taken by Nikon Eclipse ME–600 Microscope in CSC Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan. Identification of these larvae is based on key– Identification Manual for the Larval Chironomidae (Diptera) of North and South Carolina– John H. Epler.These Chironomus species are closed to circumdatus on the basis of morphological identification.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijsr  

Cite This Article:

Mali Ram Sharma, Varsha Gupta Morphological Identification of Chironomus Larvae in Jaipur District (Rajasthan) India International Journal of Scientific Research, Vol : 3, Issue : 9 September 2014

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