[1] Chironomus zealandicus is a member of the Diptera order (flies with a single pair of wings) and the Chironomidae family (non-biting midges).

The colouration of the species is black or dark segmented parts on the body (abdomen) with green or yellow striping.

[7] The myoglobin contained in the species (made up of an iron and oxygen-binding protein) helps them survive in habitats they are abundant in such as stagnant, low oxygen water.

[5] In New Zealand, the species is common in the lower reaches of the West Coast glaciers, geothermal waters and seashores.

[1] Eggs are often laid in numbers up to 3000 and are contained in a gelatinous substance which helps it to attach to objects in the water such as sticks or to river or lake banks.

[1] They spend 2–7 weeks in this form which can be faster or slower due to current water temperatures caused by season weather.

[8] With this diversity in food selection it is able to get sources of nutrients from algae, microorganisms, invertebrates, macrophytes, and woody debris.

[8] The midge from the larva, pupa and adult form is predated on by river fish and other aquatic vertebrates such as indigenous minnows.