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A bloodworm is an aquatic insect larval stage of a non-biting midge (Chironomus tetans). The head has modified mouthparts for filtering small food organisms. Bloodworms frequently build tubes of mud around themselves, which may be attached to stones. The bloodworm has an iron-porphyrin protein, respiratory pigment in its blood and tissue fluids (red) that corresponds to hemoglobin in vertebrates. This larva is important in the aquatic food chain.
Image and text copyright © Dennis Kunkel. All rights reserved. |
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