where are midges found

A midge is any small fly, including species in several families of non- mosquito Nematoceran Diptera

. Midges are found (seasonally or otherwise) on practically every land area outside permanently arid deserts and the frigid zones. Some midges, such as many Phlebotominae (sand fly) and Simuliidae (black fly), are vectors of various diseases.

Full Answer

Where do biting midges live?

There are over 4,000 species of biting midge, and they are found all over the world. Midges live in coastal areas, swamps, riverbanks, ponds and marshy regions. The lifecycle of biting midges is similar to that of a mosquito. They lay their eggs in standing water or, in some cases, wet soil.

Where do you find midges in ponds?

Midges are usually found around ponds or streams in late afternoon and evening in swarms that produce a humming sound. Midges may breed in water or manure or under tree bark. Midges are sometimes used in biotic indexes of water-quality assessment.

Where do chironomid midges live?

Chironomid midges can be found in swift moving streams, deep slow moving rivers, stagnant ditches, and in lakes and ponds that are rich in decomposing organic matter. The presence of certain chironomid midge species is often an indicator of water quality issues.

How many types of midges are there?

There are over 4000 species of midges in the world, but only a few hundred of those cause problems for humans. In North America, there are around 60 types of midges that have been identified. They can be found in all regions of the continent, except Alaska and parts of Canada. Midges are small files that can be found all around the world.

Do midges live in the US?

Biting midges are small, gray, two-winged insects, less than 1/8” long. They are a significant human pest and are found throughout the United States, primarily in coastal areas and farming operations. Some species occur mainly in wet mud, mangrove swamps and salt-marshes.

Are midges only in Scotland?

Midges are found in practically every environment on earth, except the permanent cold deserts of the poles and the permanent hot deserts of arid zones. The Scottish midge belongs to a family of midges known as Ceratopogonidae – biting midges.

Why are midges only in Scotland?

Why are they so common in Scotland? The short answer is rain. Larvae develop in mossy damp breeding grounds over many months from October. A dry winter or spring reduces numbers.

Are midges harmful to humans?

Biting midges are extremely annoying, but none are known to transmit disease agents to humans in the U.S. They have a much greater impact on non-human animals, both as biting pests and vectors of disease agents. In North America, the most important disease agent transmitted by biting midges is Blue Tongue virus.

How do I stop midges biting me?

Insect repellents are an important way of protecting yourself against biting midges. When outdoors use an effective insect repellent if biting midges are active. Insect repellents containing either diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin are the most effective.

Are midges worse than mosquitoes?

Not to be confused with mosquitoes, midges do not carry disease - however they're just as annoying. Midges are much smaller than mosquitoes, weighing only about 1/8000 of a gram. They have the fastest wing-beat speed of any animal in the world at around 1000 times a second.

What attracts midges to humans?

Midges are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out, along with other odours. Once they've found a victim they inject an anticoagulant into the blood, so they can then feed off of it. This is what causes the irritation and itching, but generally the bite isn't dangerous for humans.

Can midge bites make you feel sick?

Biting insects such as midges and mosquitoes are more likely to cause local allergic reactions, such as redness and/or swelling, but can sometimes cause allergic reactions.

What purpose do midges serve?

The larvae of non-biting midges feed on algae and bacteria, filtering micro-organisms out of the water, but some are predators. The larvae of phantom midges live in the open water and prey on water fleas and small larvae. Adult midges are eaten by all kinds of things - from spiders to swallows.

Why do I get bitten by midges so much?

What Attracts Midges? Midges find some people more attractive than others; this goes a long way to explain why some people get bitten more frequently than others. Furthermore, midges can also be attracted by certain deodorants, perfumes, aftershave, amongst others.

Do midges pee on you?

Contrary to common belief, it is not fly urine that causes the discomfort. Rather, it is the saliva itself that produces the classic allergic response. Female biting midges may attack in large numbers, biting exposed skin, and the bites can be irritating and painful.

What is the best repellent for midges?

Citronella and Saltidin (also known as Picaridin and Icaridin) are among the ingredients that midges are said to find repugnant and give a wide berth. Essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass have been credited with similar properties (more on this in a moment).

Do you get midges in England?

Midges can be a huge irritation in the summer months across much of Britain, including Scotland, North Wales, the Lake District, Cornwall and Pembrokeshire. Here is our guide to midges, including a look at when midge season takes place in the UK, plus how to identify – and most importantly how to avoid being bitten.

Does Ireland have midges?

The midges of most interest to us are those of the genus Culicoides . There are 29 species in Ireland, including six that will bite people. The most significant nipper is Cuculiodes impunctatus. It is only the female midge that bites, doing so to extract protein from our blood, which will help develop their eggs.

Do you get midges near the sea?

You'll also find them on the north coast and all along the west coast, but because the wind tends to be stronger on the coastline there's a good chance you won't be affected by them too much there.

Is there a difference between midges and mosquitoes?

The wings of midges are shorter than their body, while mosquito wings are slightly longer than their body. Midges have nonfunctional mouth parts, while mosquitoes have a long needle-like projection for a mouth. Midges form large mating swarms in the evening, which may occur over several days.

Where do midges live?

Midges are found (seasonally or otherwise) on practically every land area outside permanently arid deserts and the frigid zones. Some midges, such as many Phlebotominae (sand fly) and Simuliidae (black fly), are vectors of various diseases. Many others play useful roles as prey items for insectivores, such as various frogs and swallows. Others are important as detritivores, and form part of various nutrient cycles. The habits of midges vary greatly from species to species, though within any particular family, midges commonly have similar ecological roles.

What is a midge?

For other uses, see Midge (disambiguation). Look up midge in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. A midge is any small fly, including species in several families of non- mosquito Nematoceran Diptera.

What are the roles of midges?

Many others play useful roles as prey items for insectivores, such as various frogs and swallows. Others are important as detritivores, and form part of various nutrient cycles. The habits of midges vary greatly from species to species, though within any particular family, midges commonly have similar ecological roles.

What is a non-biting midge?

Non-biting midge flies are a common minor nuisance around artificially-created bodies of water. One type of midge (a type of fly in the family Dipteran) is a major pollinator of Theobroma cacao (cocoa tree) because of its unique morphological and behavioral characteristics.

Is a midge a bloodsucker?

Most other midge families are bloodsuckers, but it is not possible to generalise rigidly because of the vagueness of the term "midge". There is, for example, no objective basis for excluding the Psychodidae from the list, and some of them (or midge-like taxa commonly included in the family, such as Phlebotomus) are blood-sucking pests ...

Is a midge aquatic?

Most midges, apart from the gall midges ( Cecidomyiidae ), are aquatic during the larval stage. Some Cecidomyiidae (e.g., the sorghum midge) are significant plant pests. The larvae of some Chironomidae contain haemoglobin and are sometimes referred to as bloodworms.

When do midges feed?

It helps to know when midges are active in your area to avoid them. Some species feed most frequently at dawn and dusk, while some feed during the day. Most midge species do not stray very far from their breeding sites, which are typically marshes, bogs, ponds, and other moist areas.

Why are midges called no see ums?

That’s how they get the name no-see-ums, since you often feel the bites rather than seeing the bugs. Adult midges are gray in color and have cutting teeth to puncture the skin. Once a midge latches onto you, they emit ...

How to treat midge bites?

Midge bites can be uncomfortable, but they are not known to carry disease in humans. You can take some simple steps to ease the discomfort of bites: 1 Ice the area 2 Use an over-the-counter antihistamine 3 Use antiseptic creams if you have scratched bites and made them bleed 4 See a doctor if you are having an allergic reaction to the bites

What are the signs of a midge bite?

Like mosquito bites, midge bites often cause irritation and leave tell-tale signs: Cluster of red dots. A small hole in the middle of the bite where skin was punctured. Some people who are sensitive to bites may get welts or blisters. Reactions can be severe for those sensitive to bites, which can cause a burning sensation followed by red welts ...

Do midges cause irritation?

People living in midge-infested regions apparently can build up some immunity to the irritation caused by midge bites. So generally, midges create the most nuisance for people who travel to an area where midges are present. For example, hunters, fishermen and golfers who travel to regions in the United States where midges are common often report ...

Where do midges breed?

Midges may breed in water or manure or under tree bark. Midge (Chironomidae) N.A. Callow—NHPA/Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Britannica Quiz.

What is a midge?

Midge, (family Chironomidae), also called chironomid, nonbiting midge, or gnat, any of a group of tiny two-winged flies (order Diptera) that superficially resemble mosquitoes. Although they resemble mosquitoes, midges are harmless, with small mouthparts that are not elongated into a piercing structure for blood feeding.

What is a non-biting midge?

They are important food for aquatic animals, especially trout and young salmon. The nonbiting midge is related to the biting midge, which is in the family Cecidomyiidae (Itonididae); see gall midge. This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers, Senior Editor. History at your fingertips.

What is the bisexual phase of a midge?

In the midge, a type of fly, the bisexual phase occurs in adults, and parthenogenesis takes place among the larvae (paedogenesis). Adult female midges deposit fertilized eggs, from which hatch larvae whose ovaries develop while the rest of the body retains a larval form. The ovaries of…

What is a gall midge?

gall midge, (family Cecidomyiidae, or Itonididae), any minute, delicate insect (order Diptera) characterized by beaded, somewhat hairy antennae and few veins in the short-haired wings. The brightly coloured larvae live in leaves and flowers, usually causing the formation of tissue swellings (galls). A few live in galls produced by other…

Why do midges dance in swarms?

In mayflies (Ephemeroptera) and certain midges (Diptera), males dance in swarms to provide a visual attraction for females. In certain beetles (e.g., fireflies and glowworms) parts of the fat body in the female have become modified to form a luminous organ that attracts the male. Male crickets and grasshoppers attract…

Where do midges breed?

Chironomid midges are one of the most common and most abundant organisms in natural and man-made aquatic habitats. Larvae are found in small and large natural lakes, sewage oxidation and settling ponds, residential lakes and ponds, and slow moving shallow rivers.

When do midges spawn?

Pupation and emergence of adults occur in the following spring in late March or early April. Several more generations of midges are produced throughout summer, resulting in mass emergences of adults that often aggregate on plant foliage near the water’s edge ( Figure 5 ).

What do midge larvae eat?

A large variety of aquatic organisms feed on midge larvae including dragonfly naiads (nymphs), predaceous diving beetles and a variety of fish species. Where the diversity of predaceous animals is high, the density of midge larvae is usually held below nuisance population levels. Shallow, organically rich lakes and heavily polluted habitats such as sewage waste lagoons are inhabited by fewer predaceous species compared to bodies of water that receive less nutrient-rich input.

How many eggs do midges lay?

Females lay eggs on the surface of the water. Each gelatinous egg mass may contain over 1,000 eggs depending on the species. Eggs sink to the bottom where they hatch in several days to one week.

What are the benefits of chironomid midges?

Most species of chironomid midges are highly beneficial and desirable organisms in aquatic habitats . Midges are an important food source for fish, shoreline birds and predatory aquatic insects (diving beetles, "waterboatmen", etc.) and bats. Larvae “clean” the aquatic environment by consuming and recycling organic debris.

How long does it take for a midge to emerge?

Larvae transform into pupae while still in their tubes. After about three days, pupae actively swim to the surface, and adults emerge several hours later. Adults mate in swarms soon after emerging. More recent studies have shown that adult midges actually feed on nectar and other sugary materials.

How to reduce midge population?

Fertilizer run-off from residential lawns and garden, golf courses and agricultural fields are sometimes responsible for the development of nuisance-level populations of midges. Community awareness and education about proper use of fertilizers can reduce excess run-off into lakes, ponds and streams and can help reduce midge populations. In some instances, it may be helpful to have your pond evaluated and get recommendations for nutrient management.

Where Can I Find More Information on Biting Midges?

A recent (2002) textbook by G. Mullen and L. Durden, Medical and Veterinary Entomology , has an excellent chapter devoted to biting midges that covers biology, behavior, medical and veterinary risk, and information on methods of personal protection and approaches to biting midge control.

What is a biting midge?

Biting midges are minute to tiny flies that can be severe biting pests of humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Their blood-sucking habits also raise concerns about possible involvement in the transmission of disease agents. You are encouraged to learn more about the biology of biting midges so that you can avoid being bitten ...

How Many Types of Biting Midges Are There?

Biting midges are flies (Order Diptera) in the family Ceratopogonidae, which includes over 4, 000 species in 78 genera worldwide. Over 600 species in 36 genera have been described in North America, the vast majority of which either feed on other insects or other non-human animals. Species in only four genera of biting midges feed on the blood of mammals. The genera of greatest importance to human and livestock health in the U. S. are Culicoides, Leptoconops, and Forcipomyia. Very little information exists regarding biting midges in Indiana, but distribution data reveal that several species occur in the state.

How Can I Recognize a Biting Midge?

Biting midges are very small, ranging in size from 1-3 mm in length. They typically are grayish, but more reddish when filled with blood. Wings of many species, including some that feed on humans, contain dark patterns, which give them a grayish appearance (Figure 1). The mouthparts of biting midges consist of a fleshy sheath inside of which are four, minute cutting blades that lacerate the skin, inflicting sharp, burning pain. Observant victims may notice tiny red “spots” that are biting midges filling with blood.

What Should I Know About the Feeding Habits of Adult Biting Midges?

Male and female biting midges feed on plant sap and nectar, the primary energy sources for flight and for increased longevity of females. Egg production requires a protein source, which is obtained either from the body fluids of small insects or vertebrate blood. Male biting midges are not attracted to vertebrates, and their mouthparts are not capable of biting.

Do Humans Influence Biting Midge Abundance?

Humans have little or no influence over the vast majority of species of biting midges because the larvae develop in “natural habitats” mentioned above. A significant exception to this generalization pertains to certain species of Culicoides that are biting pests of livestock and vectors of Blue Tongue virus. For example, larvae of C. sonorensis develop in tremendous numbers in wastewater evaporation ponds associated with livestock production and also can be abundant in feces-contaminated mud associated with leaking watering troughs.

Can Biting Midges Be Controlled?

Control of biting midge larvae and adults is very difficult. The only species that can be controlled in the larval stages is C. sonorensis, a species associated with livestock production. Larval development is disrupted by modifying the bank structure of the wastewater ponds, the periodic altering of water levels, and the reduction of leakage from watering troughs.

Why do midges bite?

Such a painful effect is because the microscopic midges do not sting like mosquitoes, instead they pull out small pieces of skin with their small jaws, hence the pain and the blisters after the bite. Then there are some differences.

How to kill midge larvae?

To kill larvae, place granules made with bacteria like Bti in standing water. This where midges breed. The third method includes trapping with bug zappers that attract insects by UV light and kill them by electrocution.

What repels midges?

The first one is applying repellent designed for personal protection. According to scientists from Purdue University, permethrin-based products effectively repel midges but provide only limited protection. A more integrated approach should also include larva control and trapping.

What is the worst case scenario for a midge bite?

The worst-case scenario is being contaminated with some disease. The list of possible viral infections depends on where and who bit you. It’s very easy to catch something in Central or South America and Africa, so make sure you prepare well before travelling to tropical regions. In the U.S, there is no midge bite disease epidemic, but you still have to be on the lookout.

When to wear long sleeves for midges?

Midges are attracted by open body parts, so you must make sure you wear long sleeves when you go out early in the morning or late at night in summer. If there are too many midges, use repellent spray to protect yourself and your family, especially if you’re going camping or you live in a marshy area.

How to get rid of black flies?

The key to success in getting rid of black flies is destroying the larvae and eliminating the favorable reproduction environment. Satisfactory control has been attained in some states by treating streams with the natural product, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israeliensis (Bti), as claimed by the scientists from the University of Florida. As for repellents, they argue that r epellents containing “DEET” formulations are not very effective for prevention of black fly bites. Individuals wearing DEET may actually have more black flies attracted to them than individuals not wearing DEET. Our tests indicate that some protection is given by herbal-based treatments with an active ingredient of geraniol. Permethrin, which deters not only black flies, but and sand flies, ticks and mosquitoes can be sprayed on clothes. Such products can be found below in our treatment review.