Algunos aspectos de la ontogenia de las deformidades larvarias de Chironomus riparius Meigen, 1804 (Diptera, Chironomidae)

Various studies have demonstrated the occurrence of deformities in the larvae of several chironomid genera in relation to different chemical compounds. However, experimental data about the induction of deformities are scarce, and the ontogeny of these morphological disruptions also remains largely unknown. The results of our work show the presence of clear deformities, including Kohn gaps, in the first instar larvae of Chironomus riparius Meigen, 1804, and also higher frequencies in older instars. Larvae growing in increasing concentrations of phenol (ranging from 0.001 g/l to 0.1 g/l) showed a higher frequency of morphological anomalies. © Asociacion Espanola de Limnologia.