Midge Larvae

the wormlike larvae of the two-winged midges of the genus Tendipes. They live in slime in lakes and ponds and feed mainly on decomposing organic matter. They can live in water with a deficiency of O₂. Their bodies are bright red as a result of the presence of hemoglobin in the hemolymph. The larvae are a nutritious food for fish. They are used as fishing bait and as food for aquarium fish.