Biting midge

Biting midge is a common name for pestiferous tiny flies that are also known as sand flies, punkies, or no-see-ums. These flies belong to the family Ceratopogonidae in the order Diptera.

Description

Biting midges are small flies, typically 1-3 mm in length, that are notorious for their biting habits. They are characterized by their short, stout bodies, their humped thorax, and their segmented antennae. The females of most species are hematophagous, or blood-eating, and are equipped with cutting and piercing mouthparts to extract blood from their hosts.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of biting midges includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female lays her eggs in a variety of habitats depending on the species, but these are often associated with water or damp environments. The larvae that hatch from the eggs are aquatic or semi-aquatic and feed on organic matter. After a series of molts, the larvae pupate, and from the pupae emerge the adult midges.

Distribution and Habitat

Biting midges are found worldwide, with the greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. They inhabit a wide range of habitats, but are most commonly associated with coastal and marshy areas where they can find suitable places to lay their eggs.

Impact on Humans and Animals

Biting midges are a nuisance to humans and animals due to their biting habits. Their bites can cause intense itching and irritation, and in some cases, allergic reactions. In addition to their nuisance value, some species of biting midges are vectors for diseases such as bluetongue disease in livestock and leishmaniasis in humans.

Control

Control of biting midges involves reducing the breeding sites, using insect repellents, and in some cases, the use of insecticides. However, their small size and the wide range of potential breeding sites make them a challenging pest to control.

See Also

• Culicoides impunctatus
• Culicoides sonorensis
• Leptoconops torrens