Investigations on the seasonal changes in population of Chironomid larvae in afresh-water shallow tropical pond at Bhagalpur, India

Abstract

Seasonal changes in population of chironomid larvae in a freshwater pond at Dhagalpur (India) were studied from June 1977 to May 1978. Benthic samples were collected at fortnightly intervals and meteorological and physico-chemical factors were also recorded. The larvae of four genera Clinotanypus, Chironomus, Monopelopia and Conchapelopla were studied. The numerical increase in the larvae during the spring and early summer coincides with warmer air and water during these periods. The main factors influencing the chironomid larval populations are apparently environmental and mobility of the substratum.