Chironomidae

Namayandeh, Armin, Bilyj, Bohdan, Beresford, David V., Somers, Keith M. & Dillon, Peter J., 2012, 3324, Zootaxa 3324, pp. 1-65 : 7

Key to larvae of subfamilies and tribes of Chironomidae

1. Antennae, long retractile into head capsule. Toothed ligula and maxillary palp with seven apical stylets well developed............................................................................................... Tanypodinae

- Antennae non-retractile. Ligula and maxillary palp strongly reduced............................................ 2

2. Procerci L/W at least 5. Premandibles absent..................................................... Podonominae

- Procerci L/W, rarely more than 4. Premandibles present...................................................... 3

3. Ventromental plates well developed and with conspicuous striation, if without striations [ Stenochironomus ] then plates raised laterally and fused to the maxillae throughout more than half their width.................. Chironominae ........... 4

- Ventromental plates vestigial to well developed, when well developed never with striations.......................... 6

4. Antennae subtended by distinct tubercles (pedestals). Lauterborn organs very large and conspicuous or occurring at the apex of elongated stalks.............................................................................. Tanytarsini

- Antennae not subtended by distinct tubercles, Lauterborn organs not large or occurring at the apex of elongated stalks..... 5

5. Ventromental plates straight, bar-like with more or less parallel-sided margins..................... Pseudochironomini

- Ventromental plates usually fan-shaped, if elongate then anterior margins curved and tapering towards posterior margins............................................................................................. Chironomini

6. Third antennal segment usually annulated........................................................ Diamesinae

- Third antennal segment not annulated.................................................................... 7

7. Antenna with 4 segments. Ventromental plates well developed...................................... Prodiamesinae

- Antenna usually with 5 segments, if 4-segmented then ventromental plates reduced.................... Orthocladiinae