Kauaʻi record · KCA-IA-00600
Telmatogeton hirtus
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About Telmatogeton hirtus
Telmatogeton hirtus is a member of Chironomidae in the order Diptera. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is endemic — kauaʻi.
Telmatogeton hirtus (Telmatogeton hirtus) is documented from Kauaʻi. Non-biting midges have aquatic or semiaquatic larvae and delicate winged adults. Larvae are important components of freshwater food webs. On Kauaʻi, observations are most useful when they record aquatic microhabitat, water conditions, larval case/substrate, adult emergence, and voucher material. Where island-specific host, prey, breeding-site, abundance, or seasonal information is not yet firmly documented, those details should remain tied to direct specimens and field observations rather than inferred from populations elsewhere.
Telmatogeton hirtus is a Kauaʻi-endemic torrential midge of flowing freshwater. Larvae attach silken cases to hard substrates and graze diatoms and green algae; the adult and case-bearing aquatic larva require separate identification coverage.
Kauaʻi occurrence evidence: Wainiha River Kauaʻi surveys directly record Telmatogeton hirtus; USGS states the species is endemic to Kauaʻi.
The cited occurrence evidence does not by itself establish current abundance or population trend on Kauaʻi.
Life cycle
Egg; larva; pupa; adult.
Habitat
Streams, pools, wet rock, sediments, or other wet substrates depending on species.
Food and ecological role
Larvae may graze algae, collect detritus, filter particles, or prey on small organisms depending on species.
Reproduction
Adults mate near water; eggs are laid in aquatic habitats.
Movement
Adults fly; larvae disperse within water/substrate.
Ecosystem role
Aquatic detritivore/grazer/predator and important prey for stream fauna.
Threats and impacts
Native species can be sensitive to water-quality and flow changes.
Monitoring
Record aquatic microhabitat, water conditions, larval case/substrate, adult emergence, and voucher material.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Telmatogeton hirtus
- Family
- Chironomidae
- Order
- Diptera
- Record type
- species
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Present
- Origin
- Endemic — Kauaʻi
- Conservation status
- Not assessed
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal description
- Telmatogeton hirtus is a member of Chironomidae in the order Diptera. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is endemic — kauaʻi.