Biting Midges

Ceratopogonidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ceratopogonidae: //sɛˌrætoʊpəˈɡoʊnɪˌdi//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Culicoides hegneri by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Culicoides hegneri by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Culicoides hegneri by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Culicoides hegneri by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Culicoides hegneri by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Culicoides hegneri by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Ceratopogonidae, known as biting midges or no-see-ums, include numerous species that are both nectar-feeding and blood-feeding, prevalent in various habitats worldwide and important in ecosystem functions despite being pests in certain contexts.

Physical Characteristics

Generally 1 to 3 mm in length, ocelli absent, radial branches prominent, wings usually held flat over back at rest, flagellum typically 13-segmented with elongation in last segments.

Identification Tips

Distinguished by well-developed proboscis, stout body, broader wings compared to similar families like Chironomidae.

Habitat

Found in salt and freshwater marshes, forests, edges of ponds and streams; larvae develop in moist/wet sand, mud, or decaying vegetation.

Distribution

Worldwide, excluding the Antarctic and Arctic regions, with about 6000 described extant species in 113 genera.

Diet

Adult males and females feed on nectar; most females also feed on the blood of vertebrates to obtain protein for egg-laying.

Life Cycle

Holometabolous; development includes four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Most common species complete lifecycle in 2 to 6 weeks.

Reproduction

Females feed on the blood of vertebrates for protein necessary for egg-laying; some species have altered mouthparts and do not suck blood.

Predators

Some species prey on mosquito larvae and other small insects; some act as ectoparasites of invertebrates.

Ecosystem Role

As both predators and bloodsuckers, they play varying roles in ecosystems, including pollination and serving as food sources for other animals.

Economic Impact

Some species are known vectors for diseases in livestock and humans; management of populations has required insecticides in some areas.

Health Concerns

Their bites can be painful and result in intensely itchy lesions; can transmit various diseases including nematodes and arboviruses.

Collecting Methods

  • Trapping with carbon dioxide lures
  • Netting during peak activity periods

Preservation Methods

  • Alcohol preservation
  • Freezing for molecular analysis

Evolution

Oldest known member dates to 142 million years ago, indicating a long evolutionary history and diversification.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Commonly conflated with mosquitoes due to their similar biting behavior; however, they differ significantly in habits and biology.

Tags

  • Ceratopogonidae
  • Biting Midges
  • No-See-Ums
  • Diptera
  • Insecta