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A Review on the Role of Chironomine Midges (Chironomidae: Diptera) in the Paddy Fields


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1 Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, India
     

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Chironomidae is one of the cosmopolitan dipteran insect groups, representatives of which occur in all zoogeographical regions of the world. The larvae of chironomid midges are ubiquitous in paddy fields throughout the globe. These larvae are found to cause damage to rice plants and seedlings in many paddy fields. But, the ecological roles of chironomids for sustainable development of agro-ecosystem are largely ignored so far. In this context, the present review is intended to bring together the information available on the role of chironomine midges associated with the rice agro-ecosystem in various countries. It will also provide an outcome that would enable us to better appreciate the environmental services and opportunities to study the diversity of this insect group associated with rice fields. The role of chironomid larvae in rice fields can be summarized (i) as paddy pest, (ii) as soil enricher, (iii) as indicator of water pollution, and (vi) as food.

Keywords

Chironomine Midges, Rice Fields, Agro-Ecosystem.
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  • A Review on the Role of Chironomine Midges (Chironomidae: Diptera) in the Paddy Fields

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Authors

Atanu Ghosh
Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, India
Abhijit Mazumdar
Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, India

Abstract


Chironomidae is one of the cosmopolitan dipteran insect groups, representatives of which occur in all zoogeographical regions of the world. The larvae of chironomid midges are ubiquitous in paddy fields throughout the globe. These larvae are found to cause damage to rice plants and seedlings in many paddy fields. But, the ecological roles of chironomids for sustainable development of agro-ecosystem are largely ignored so far. In this context, the present review is intended to bring together the information available on the role of chironomine midges associated with the rice agro-ecosystem in various countries. It will also provide an outcome that would enable us to better appreciate the environmental services and opportunities to study the diversity of this insect group associated with rice fields. The role of chironomid larvae in rice fields can be summarized (i) as paddy pest, (ii) as soil enricher, (iii) as indicator of water pollution, and (vi) as food.

Keywords


Chironomine Midges, Rice Fields, Agro-Ecosystem.

References