Fly Tying: Chironomid (Larva & Pupa)

I have noted of late, that many chironomid larva/pupa patterns, like mine above, are a bit chunky. At the Sportsman’s Show this past weekend (Feb. 2010, Portland) there was a notorious stillwater fly fisher in attendance whose chironomid patterns (larva) were considerably more slender than anything I normally tie. Made me reconsider how my pupa patterns have produced…very well. But, would I do better with a simpler thread body and ultra fine silver ribbed body with a much smaller thorax? I also noted that Mr. Stillwater’s Midge Larva patterns were much bigger (hook, size 10) than most midge patterns I tie. Also, I wonder if the progression of a midge from a larva to a pupa creates a more robust body.

Larva v. Pupa