Buzzer midge

Chironomus sp.

Description:
The buzzer midge gets its name from the characteristic sound made by its wings, which vibrate around 1,000 times per second in flight. This non-biting midge is around 10 millimetres in length, and green, grey, yellow and black in colour. Males have conspicuous feather-shaped antennae. The larvae live in silt at depths of up to 300 metres.

Habitat:
The buzzer midge is a common and widespread species. Its larvae can be found in rivers and streams, as well as in tree hollows, manure and other moist materials.

Habits:
Adults do not feed and have only rudimentary mouth parts. Larvae feed on organic debris and microorganisms. Buzzer midges are harmless to humans.