Digital photomicrograph; x200 approximate magnification

Rochester, New York, United States

The study of aquatic organisms is useful in gauging water quality. Midges, or non-biting flies of the order Diptera, family Chironomidae, are common inhabitants of these environments. Chironomids are identified by examining the antennae, mouthparts, proleg claws, setae, and ventral tubules of slide-mounted specimens through light microscope examination at up to x500 magnifications.