Identification
Wings usually not hairy, R-M crossvein at a distinct angle to R5, veins M and R5 usually equidistant from wingtip, front leg ratio usually greater than 1.1.
Remarks
This tribe includes the largest and most commonly observed midges, as well as smaller or more obscure species.
It is divided here into five genus groups:
The Chironomus group has males generally with 11 flagellomeres and normally developed superior and inferior volsellae.
The Harnischia complex has males generally with 11 flagellomeres and reduced and/or hairless inferior and superior volsellae.
Polypedilum, Endochironomus, and related genera
Stenochironomus and related genera
Lauterborniella and related genera
Molecular evidence supports the phylogeny ((Lauterborniella,Tanytarsini),((Harnischia,Chironomus),(Stenochironomus,Polypedilum))). Morphological evidence places Stenochironomus closer to Tanytarsini. The basal genera are likely to be removed from Chironomini in the future because they are more closely related to Tanytarsini.