Subsidies for production ofChironomus calligraphuslarvae (Chironomidae, Diptera) in the laboratory

Rearing methods and life cycle characteristics of Chironomus sp. Florida (Chironomidae: Diptera): A rapid-developing species for laboratory studies

“…This faster embryo development could represent an adaptive advantage to increase fitness, as this species inhabits temporary habitats. The typical egg mass feeding and planktonic behaviour after hatching are preserved in this species, a topic that has been observed and discussed elsewhere [ 14 , 36 , 49 ].…”

“…Our method was the result of 3 years of observations on the suitability of different methodologies, including modified versions of Biever [ 31 ], New [ 32 ], and Batac-Catalan and White [ 28 ]. The preference of collecting eggs for establishing new colonies and studies is common and favoured by various authors (e.g., [ 14 , 29 , 33 – 35 ]). With the proposed recirculated system, egg masses can be used to produce and maintain robust colonies without effort for a period longer than 9 months.…”

“…Common tropical species of Chironomus laid over 350 eggs/mass (e.g., C . calligraphus , 369–374 eggs/mass; [ 14 ]), reaching up to 3,300 in some species [ 45 , 46 ]. The low number that we found is consistent with the medium body size of adult Chironomus sp.…”

“…xanthus (D min = 13 days [ 36 ]), C . calligraphus ( D min = 11 days [ 14 ]), C . crassiforceps ( D min = 10 days [ 43 ]), and C .…”

“…These species are ecologically important and are easy to culture under laboratory conditions [ 13 ]. They have been used principally in temperate zones but studies in tropical regions (e.g., Brazil, northern Argentina, and India) recommend the use of local or tropical species, even though there is little information on them [ 14 – 16 ]. Using local species as models might result in a better alternative as they are adapted to local environmental conditions [ 17 ].…”