Larvae of the dipteran family Chironomidae (midges) form a significant portion of the macroinvertebrate fauna in most freshwater habitats. They are an important link in the food chain between algae and microinvertebrates, and the larger macroinvertebrates and fish. The guide is intended to serve as a beginner's supplement to the more definitive descriptions of chironomid larvae which take into account a variety of head and body characteristics for classification. Head capsules of various species are pictured to complement the keys to subfamily and genus, and to familiarize the beginner with structures that are used for identification.