Author: (Goetghebuer, 1921)
Diagnosis
Exuviae 4.0-4.8mm long (n=12).
Cephalothorax: Frontal setae present. Thoracic horn of a few (about 10) branches, branches much shorter than half the length of the abdomen. Thorax with conspicuously large granules near suture (112b.jpg).
Abdomen: Hooks of hook row II (m=46, n=15). At its greatest development the median point patches of tergites II-VI are broadly attached on each side of the mid-line to the anterior transverse band, narrowing to a little past mid-segment and thereafter widening rapidly to its fusion with the posterior transverse band; a large elongate-oval bare patch separates the median point patch into two lateral longitudinal bands from about the level of seta D1 to the posterior margin of the posterior transverse band, which may be broken or narrowly joined medially (122j.jpg). Reduction of this pattern is common and in extreme cases tergite II possesses no more armament than the anterior transverse band, and on the following segments the median patch is highly reduced. Tergite VII without trace of a median point patch. Apical point bands distinct on tergites III and IV. Sternite I without two antero-lateral armed humps. Shagreen of sternite II anteriorly of minute points of differing size with little tendency to be grouped in transverse rows. Pedes spurii B II well-developed. Conjunctives with points no larger than those of the anterior transverse bands of the tergites. Vortex present. Comb of segment VIII usually in the form of two or three strong outer teeth with a number of smaller teeth within (122k.jpg). Segment IV without lateral taeniae; V-VIII with well-developed lateral taeniae, no more than three lateral taeniae on V.
Anal segment: Fringe of anal lobes usually with less than 32 taeniae (m=28, n=15).
(Linked adult male: Langton and Pinder, 2003a)
Species keys out at Page 317: Chironomini 214 Polypedilum of the Text Key.
Distribution
Widespread in Europe, north Africa.
(For more information see module IdentifyIt – file: Chironominae).
Ecological notes
Northern and montane peat pools and lakes.