BIOSYSTEMATICS OF CHIRONOMIDAE (DIPTERA) INHABITING SELECTED PRAIRIE PONDS IN SASKATCHEWAN

Abstract

Thirty-six species of Chironomidae from a single semipermanent pond near Floral Saskatchewan and four species from other ponds were collected in the study. Seven species and five genera were not previously recorded from Saskatchewan ponds. Identification keys to genera .and species are provided. For each genus, diagnoses of larval and pupal stages are provided as well as a taxonomic, biological and distributional distributional. For each species, descriptions of the immature stages collected are provided along with taxonomic remarks, biological notes and distribution. Pond habitats and classification systems are described and discussed. Chironomid communities are discussed in relation to pond types, and difficulties of working with Chironomidae are presented. Water depth and water and air temperatures are given for selected dates for the primary study pond. Effects of flood conditions on the pond chironomid community are presented discussed.