Phenology of non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) in peatland ponds, Central Poland

Abstract

Non-biting midges are one of the most diverse and abundant aquatic insects in peatlands. The Rbien mire is a raised bog located on the edge of the Lodz Agglomeration in Central Poland. After peat extraction, many ponds remained in the Rabien area. During the growing season in 2012, adult chironomids were collected by a light trap and a hand net near one of the excavation ponds. The phenology of adult flight period was documented from April to November. Thirty-one species were recorded and assigned to one of five phenology groups. Three parameters reflecting duration of daytime and weather conditions, i.e. air temperature, air humidity, were found to covary significantly with the observed flight periods. Taxa emerging in the spring may be classified as cold-adapted and those collected in the summer only as preferring higher air temperature. Emergence in late summer was related to a shorter duration of daytime.