General ecology of the Chironomids and identification key to the Tanypodinae. Chironomids are a group of non-biting midges, the larvae of which are important in aquatic ecosystems. A major subfamily of this group are the Tanypodinae. The larvae of most of the species are free-swimming or crawling predators while those of other species burrow in the mud on the bottom. Since they inhabit a variety of habitats they can be found in almost all surface waters in the Netherlands.

The authors revised existing identification keys and collected additional information on the biology and ecology of the larvae. Where possible, the identification keys use anatomical characters that are easily observed.

The clear descriptions of the development stages, sampling methods and abiotic environmental factors help make this book useful for all students of chironomid larvae, professional or otherwise. This book is especially important for its potential use in water quality management.

Volume 1: Chironomidae Larvae - General ecology and Tanypodinae
Volume 2: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and ecology of the Chironomini
Volume 3: Chironomidae Larvae - Biology and Ecology of the Aquatic Orthocladiinae

Summary in Dutch:
Engelstalige determinatietabel voor de Tanypodinae, een onderfamilie van de dansmuggenlarven. Onmisbare informatie voor aquatisch ecologen en waterkwaliteitsbeheerders. Bevat een toegankelijke determinatietabel voor de soorten larven met nieuwe kenmerken en complete informatie over hun biologie en ecologie.