<i>Diamesa mendotae </i>(Diptera: Chironomidae) Demonstrate Predictable Behavior Patterns Associated with Aging and Mortality

Chironomidae (Diptera) are one of the most diverse and abundant groups of aquatic insects in the world. As key members of aquatic communities, it is necessary to understand how climate change will impact these insects to make broader predictions on how aquatic ecosystems may change. Our research sought to evaluate the relationship between behavior and longevity to improve the application of lab-based longevity results to estimated survivorship in the wild. We found that <i>Diamesa mendotae</i>, a cold-adapted chironomid, exhibited more active behaviors early in life, with a reduction in mobility over time. Observations of these behaviors soon after <i>D. mendotae</i> collection were also predictive of total longevity. These findings will improve our methodology for understanding the impacts climate change may have on chironomid and other aquatic insects' fitness.