Stictochironomus

Stictochironomus is a genus of non-biting midges in the subfamily Chironominae of the bloodworm family Chironomidae. Members of this genus often have strongly marked wings and legs. The larvae of these midges may also have distinct dark patterns on the dorsal side of the head capsule. They live in sand and other sediments in a variety of fresh water habitats in densities of several hundred per square meter. S. maculipennis has been reported to live relatively deep, up to 6 cm, in the sediment to avoid predation. It has been suggested that Stictochironomus larvae may migrate between the deeper sediment layers and the sediment surface to breathe.