| Bloodworm
Bloodworms are also known as Non-biting Midges.
What they look like:
Worm-like and C-shaped. Some species have a deep red
colour.
Size:
Up to 20 mm long.
Where they live:
The majority of Bloodworms or Non-biting Midges are
found in the top five centimetres of sediment (sludge
at the bottom of streams). Many species live in silken
tubes while others are free living. Some can live in
mud and water with low levels of oxygen. They are an
important source of food for larger aquatic insects
and fish.
What they eat:
Bloodworms are generally detritivores (det-try-te-vorz)
feeding on dead plant and animal matter, while others
are herbivores (herb-ee-vorz) eating only plant
matter.
Pollution
tolerance. Very tolerant, rating 2.
Bloodworms have red blood, similar to mammals, that
helps carry oxygen through their bodies. This means
they do not need as much dissolved oxygen in their
environment. |
What’s interesting about
Bloodworms?
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