After the heavy rain this male midge (Chironomidae) is sitting in an ox-eye daisy and is showing us its plumose antennae characteristic of the male. The feathery antennae provide a tremendous surface area for sensors that are able to detect little amounts of chemicals produced by the females. Apparently there also are sensors that can detect vibrations in the air produced from wing movements of the females. This specimen is quite big and about 8 mm long. Midges resemble mosquitoes but do not bite.
