Zavrelia sp.

  • photomicrograph of the antenna of a chironomid midge larva. The antenna has 5 segments. There are two brush-like organs on the second and third segments. Also visible are some of the mouthparts including a mandible.

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    Figure 1. Zavrelia sp. antenna with 5 segments placed on tall pedestal with strong basal spur. Large Lauterborn organs placed on short pedicel, inserted opposite one in proximal half, the other on apex of elongate 2nd segment. Antennal blade longer than flagellum, accessory blade short.

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  • photomicrograph of the mouthparts of a chironomid midge larva including the premandibles (4 teeth) with a brush and the mentum with a central tooth and 6 lateral teeth on either side

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    Figure 2. The premandible of Zavrelia sp. has 4 teeth and a well-developed brush.

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Zavrelia sp.

Taxa description

Zavrelia sp. (Kieffer, 1922) have small larvae, up to 3 mm. Antenna with 5 segments placed on tall pedestal with strong basal spur. Large Lauterborn organs placed on short pedicel, inserted opposite one in proximal half, the other on apex of elongate 2nd segment. Antennal blade longer than flagellum, accessory blade short. Pecten epipharyngis of very small, perhaps non-serrate scales. Premandible with 4 teeth and well-developed brush.

Distinguishing features

Habitat

Zavrelia spp. are found in unpolluted rivers and lakes where it constructs small straight transportable cases of fine sand/silt and detritus.

Lake occurrence

It has been found in all five of the Great Lakes (except Lake Erie) where it is limited to nearshore areas and river mouths (Winnel & White, 1985).

Similar species

Zavrelia spp. can be easily confused with the closely related Stempellinella spp. Zavrelia spp. differ from Stempellinella spp. by the form of the pecten epipharyngis, which consists of 3 unserrated chaetae (3 long slender scales in Stempellinella sp.) and the shape and arrangement of teeth on the premandible. In Zavrelia spp. premadible has 4 teeth while in Stempellinella spp. premandible consists usually of 2-3 teeth.

Relative size

Small larvae, up to 3 mm.

Does it have a barcode reference from the Great Lakes?

References

Anderson, T., P.S. Cranston, and J.H. Epler. 2013. The larvae Chironomidae (Diptera) of the Holoarctic Region: Key and diagnosis. Insect Systematics & Evolution. Supplement No 66.

Occurrence in scientific literature

Winnel, M.H., and D. S. White. 1985. Ecology of Some Chironomidae (Diptera) from Southeastern Lake Michigan, U.S.A. Transactions of the American Entomological Society, 111: 279-359.