Chironomus plumosus

  

  -    . . .

  - Order Diptera
  - Family Chironomidae
  - Genus Chironomus
  - Species plumosus  

Despite their presence is known to be an indicator of pollution, these larvae were found in the muddy sediment of an alpine unpolluted stream at about 600 m. above see level




The striking red colour of the larve is due to the presence of haemoglobin in their haemolymph. The haemoglobin allows these larvae to survive even in sediments very poor in oxygen.