THE SWARMING BEHAVIOUR OF CHIRONOMUS RIPARIUS (DIPTERA: CHIRONOMIDAE) IN THE LABORATORY

Abstract
Continuous colonies of Chironomus riparius Meigen can be conveniently maintained in the laboratory and the swarming and mating behaviour is readily observable. Swarming is eocrepuscular and is mediated, at least in part, by light intensity and the marker stimulus. The effects of sound and volatile chemicals on the initiation and maintenance of swarming are not clearly apparent, but there is some evidence to suggest that pheromones may play a role in swarm cohesion.