CHIRONOMIDAE (DIPTERA) OF PEATLANDS AND MARSHES IN CANADA

Abstract

A survey of the literature has revealed that the Chironomidae are one of the most abundant and diverse groups of insects present in Canadian peatlands and marshes. A total of 104 named species of Chironomidae has been recorded from Canadian bogs, fens, and marshes. At least 207 species are present if all unnamed species are included in the total. However, until more information is available about the distribution of chironomid species, particularly those from fens, it is not possible to determine if any species (other thanMetriocnemus knabiCoq.) are restricted to these habitats. Although several studies have been conducted in marshes and bog pools, the saturated peat habitats of fens and bogs have been little studied.Most information on chironomids within peatlands and marshes is based on emergence trapping of adults, and there have been few attempts to study the ecologically important immature stages. Several aspects of chironomid ecology pertinent to peatlands and marshes are presented, based primarily on information gathered from other shallow-water habitats. The ecological and economic importance of chironomids within these habitats remains largely unknown. Most effort to date has been expended on faunal surveys, and any attempt to study chironomid ecology within peatlands and marshes would add greatly to existing knowledge.