Identification key to the larvae of Dutch Paratanytarsus (Diptera: Chironomidae)

In the Netherlands about 500 species of non-biting midges (Chironomidae) are recorded. Male chironomids are known to gather in impressive swarming clouds, to attract females. The larvae play an important ecological role in aquatic ecosystems and are used as bioindicators. Reliable identification of these larvae, preferably to species level, is therefore of great importance. In this paper an identification key is presented for the larvae of the genus Paratanytarsus.