General: Midge larvae (Diptera, Chironomidae) are tiny, worm-like creatures that live in temporary pools (i.e., vernal pools, tinajas) in the southwestern United States. Midge larvae are segmented and get to about 1-inch long. They have no legs or other external appendages, so they twist and wiggle to move around.

Midge larvae feed on detritus (decaying organic matter).

Taxonomy: Order Diptera, Family Chironomidae.

Adult midges mate and lay eggs in calm waters, including vernal pools. The larvae wiggle around and grow, eventually maturing and emerging from the water before it dries up.

Midge larvae share their habitat with fairy shrimp, clam shrimp, tadpole shrimp, and other tiny creatures.

Please be careful around tinajas and vernal pools so as not to damage the habitat or injure the creatures that live in them. Don't wash in tinajas because soap will hurt the wildlife.