Ceratopogoninae

Ceratopogoninae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ceratopogoninae: /ˌsɛrətoʊˌpoʊˈdʒɪni.aɪ/

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

Images

Stilobezzia coquilletti - inat 56862317 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Stilobezzia coquilletti - inat 50889739 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
American entomology (Plate 35) (6026586536) by Say, Thomas. Used under a Public domain license.
Heteromyia prattii 9311594 by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Biting Midge - Heteromyia prattii, Allens Fresh, Maryland by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Bezzia nobilis P1560210a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Ceratopogoninae is the largest subfamily of Ceratopogonidae, commonly known as biting midges or no-see-ums, and includes many species that prey on other insects and feed on vertebrate blood.

Physical Characteristics

Generally 1–3 millimeters (1⁄16–1⁄8 in) in length. Mouthparts are well-developed for cutting the skin of their hosts.

Identification Tips

Tribes Culicoidini and Ceratopogonini have media petiolate, i.e., forking after R-M crossvein, or have base of M2 absent while other tribes have media sessile, forking before crossvein, and have base of M2 present.

Habitat

Streams, lakes, ponds, sphagnum bogs.

Distribution

More than 5,000 species worldwide, excluding Antarctica and the Arctic.

Diet

Adult males and females feed on nectar; most females also feed on the blood of vertebrates for egg-laying. Some species prey on other insects, such as mosquito larvae.

Life Cycle

Holometabolous; includes four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Most common species in warmer climates take about two to six weeks to complete a life cycle.

Reproduction

Females of many genera are hematophagous and require blood to produce eggs; males generally do not feed on blood.

Predators

Some species within the biting midges prey on other small insects, particularly mosquito larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Females are parasites and can be vectors of disease-causing pathogens; some species play a role in controlling insect populations.

Economic Impact

Can transmit diseases affecting livestock and humans; economically significant due to their biting behavior and disease vector potential.

Health Concerns

Can be vectors of diseases such as bluetongue disease, African horse sickness, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, and various parasitic nematodes.

Collecting Methods

  • Luring with carbon dioxide traps
  • Light traps

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol
  • Drying

Evolution

The oldest known member is Archiaustroconops besti from the Purbeck Group of Dorset, England, dating to around 142 million years ago.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for mosquitoes; smaller and less harmful than many realize.

Tags

  • Ceratopogoninae
  • biting midges
  • no-see-ums
  • Diptera
  • holometabolous