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Bugs Below Zero
Discovering Winter Aquatic Insects in Minnesota
Midges (Order Diptera:Flies)
​Midges are in a family of aquatic flies called Chironomidae. Male midges have feathery antennae while female midges have stick-like antennae. Adult midges hold their wings tent-like along their back. Midges look similar to a mosquito in size and overall appearance but lack the biting mouth parts. Some midges are active during the winter time and remain in an inactive state in the summer. These winter active midges look like tiny black mosquitoes walking on the snow. More technical information about midges can be found on the University of Minnesota Chironomidae Research Group webpage.
Female midge

© Chironomidae Research Group
Male midge

© Chironomidae Research Group
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