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Chironomidae /ˌkaɪrəˈnɒmɪdiː/, commonly known as non-biting midges or chironomids /kaɪˈrɒnəmɪdz/, are a family of Nematoceran flies with a global distribution. They are closely related to the families Ceratopogonidae, Simuliidae, and Thaumaleidae. Although many chironomid species superficially resemble mosquitoes, they can be distinguished by the absence of the wing scales and elongated mouthparts characteristic of the Culicidae (true mosquitoes).
The name Chironomidae stems from the Ancient Greek word kheironómos, "a pantomimist".
Orthocladiinae is a subfamily of midges in the non-biting midge family (Chironomidae). For lack of a better common name, they are simply referred to as orthoclads.
