Nikon 7900 pocket camera, hand held image. This was taken last December. I am not 100% positive about the exact species but I strongly suspect I am correct on this one because I have seen the red larvae in various places. My inclination is to say this species is Chironomus plumosus and it is almost certainly a male. Classification Kingdom Animalia (Animals) Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods) Class Insecta (Insects) Order Diptera (Flies) No Taxon ("Nematocera" (Non-Brachycera)) Infraorder Culicomorpha Family Chironomidae (Midges) Other Common Names Non-biting Midges, Blind Mosquitoes Size 1-10 mm, a few larger Identification Small, delicate flies, resemble mosquitoes but do not bite. Often "dance" in large swarms over water or lawns. Males have long, feathery (plumose) antennae. Range North America Habitat Usually damp areas, or near bodies of fresh water. Larvae of most midges are aquatic; a few occur in decaying matter, under bark or in moist ground. Most of them are scavengers. Many of the aquatic forms live in tubes or cases. Food Adults do not feed. Larvae are mostly aquatic, many living in tubes in soft mud; they are filter feeders. Others are leaf-miners of aquatic plants. Red larvae of genus Chironomus are called "bloodworms". Their blood contains hemoglobin, unusual for insects. Larvae are often very abundant and are an important food item for many fresh water fish and other aquatic animals. Thanks to those who take the time to comment. BTW - is anyone having problems with receiving e-mail notifications of comments? I ask because I have received no notices in the past 2 days. I am checking with my ISP (which controls my e-mail accounts) as well. Lee