| Abstract: | The diel emergence patterns of 16 chironomid species from a Berkshire lake are characterized. A study of these patterns and those described previously in the literature indicate that the diel pattern for any chironomid species can often be predicted on the basis of the Tribe to which it belongs. Chironomini spp. usually emerge at dusk or at night. Macropelopiini spp. and Metrioenemini spp. characteristically emerge during daylight but the former peak in the morning and the latter peak in the afternoon. Orthocladiini and Tanytarsini spp. exhibit more varied patterns although bimodalism is a frequent feature. The phylogenetic conservatism in the diel patterns displayed implies that these patterns became established early during chironomid evolution, and are, therefore, plesiomorphic. |
