Ceratopogonidae
Guides
Allohelea johannseni
Allohelea johannseni is a species of predaceous midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, originally described as Monohelea johannseni by Wirth in 1953. The species belongs to a genus of small, predatory biting midges. It has been documented through limited observations, with only two records on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Alluaudomyia needhami
Alluaudomyia needhami is a species of predaceous midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Thomsen in 1935. The genus Alluaudomyia comprises small biting midges, many of which are predatory as adults or larvae. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only three records in iNaturalist. The species' biology and ecology remain poorly known.
Alluaudomyia paraspina
Alluaudomyia paraspina is a species of predaceous midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Wirth in 1952. The immature stages (larvae and pupae) develop in aquatic habitats rich in decaying organic matter. As a member of the genus Alluaudomyia, it is presumed to be predatory in both larval and adult stages, though specific prey records remain limited.
Atrichopogon
biting midges, grass punkies
Atrichopogon is a genus of small biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae, subfamily Forcipomyiinae. Species occur across multiple continents with documented records from the Neotropical region, Patagonia, Europe, and Asia. Some species are ectoparasites of larger insects, while others develop on aquatic vegetation or in terrestrial habitats such as rotting wood. Immature stages show habitat-specific distribution patterns: larvae of A. wirthi occur on water lettuce leaves, and larvae of European Meloehelea subgenus species inhabit rotting pine wood.
Atrichopogon fusculus
Atrichopogon fusculus is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Coquillett in 1901 from the United States. The species has been recorded from multiple continents, including North America, South America, and Europe. Like other members of the genus Atrichopogon, it belongs to the subfamily Forcipomyiinae, which includes both biting and non-biting species. Specific biological details remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Atrichopogon levis
grass punky
Atrichopogon levis, commonly known as the grass punky, is a biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. Larvae develop within grass stems, particularly bluegrass (Poa pratensis), feeding on plant juices. Adult females are aggressive blood-feeders on mammals, including humans, causing irritating bites. The complete life cycle from egg to adult takes approximately 3–4 weeks under favorable conditions. The species is a significant nuisance pest in grassy areas and has been recorded from Hawaii.
Atrichopogon minutus
Atrichopogon minutus is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1830. Originally placed in the genus Ceratopogon, it was later transferred to Atrichopogon. The species belongs to the subfamily Forcipomyiinae, a group whose members are often associated with various ecological roles including pollination and parasitism. Records indicate presence in European and Atlantic island localities including the Azores.
Atrichopogon peregrinus
biting midge
Atrichopogon peregrinus is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. The specific epithet "peregrinus" (Latin for "wanderer" or "foreigner") suggests a potentially wide-ranging or introduced distribution, though detailed geographic records remain limited. As a member of the genus Atrichopogon, it belongs to a diverse group of small, blood-feeding flies commonly known as no-see-ums or punkies. The species was described by Johannsen in 1908, indicating it has been recognized in scientific literature for over a century, though comprehensive biological studies appear sparse.
Bezzia varicolor
biting midge
Bezzia varicolor is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Coquillett in 1902. The species has been the subject of morphological study focusing on female-specific abdominal structures. Females possess distinctive eversible sacs attached to internal dorsal apodemes of the tergites. The function of these structures remains unresolved, though glandular activity has been ruled out by histological examination.
Ceratopogon
no-see-um, biting midge, punkie
Ceratopogon is a genus of biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) first described by Meigen in 1803. The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution, with species recorded across multiple continents. Members of this genus are minute flies, typically 1–3 mm in body length, and are part of the diverse Ceratopogonidae family that includes over 600 species in North America alone.
Clinohelea bimaculata
Bimaculata Group
Clinohelea bimaculata is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Loew in 1861. It belongs to a diverse family of tiny flies commonly known as no-see-ums, punkies, or biting midges. The species has been documented in North America, with photographic records from Kansas. Like other ceratopogonids, it is extremely small and presents significant challenges for observation and identification.
Culicoides
biting midges, no-see-ums
Culicoides is a genus of over 1,000 species of biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae. These tiny flies, measuring 1–3 mm in length, are significant vectors of animal pathogens including bluetongue virus, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, and Schmallenberg virus. Only females take blood meals, required for egg maturation, while both sexes feed on nectar. The genus has a fossil record extending to approximately 99 million years ago in Burmese amber.
Culicoides crepuscularis
Culicoides crepuscularis is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Malloch in 1915. The species has been documented as a natural host for the filarial nematode Chandlerella quiscali, demonstrating vector competence for transmission to birds. Its specific epithet 'crepuscularis' suggests crepuscular (twilight) activity patterns, though this has not been explicitly confirmed in the available literature.
Culicoides variipennis
biting midge, no-see-um
Culicoides variipennis is a biting midge in the subgenus Monoculicoides, less than 1 mm in length. The species complex includes multiple subspecies with varying vector competence for livestock viruses. It is a significant vector of Bluetongue virus, African horse sickness virus, Akabane virus, and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in North America. Subspecies show distinct geographic distributions and morphological differences, particularly in male genitalia and female palpal segments.
Culicoides villosipennis
Culicoides villosipennis is a species of biting midge described by Root and Hoffman in 1937. As a member of the genus Culicoides, it belongs to a group of small blood-feeding flies known for transmitting viral pathogens to livestock and wildlife. The species is placed in the subgenus Amossovia within the broader Culicoides classification. Published records for this species are limited, with few documented observations relative to more extensively studied congeners such as C. sonorensis and C. stellifer.
Forcipomyia bipunctata
Forcipomyia bipunctata is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1767. It occurs in Europe and North America, with distribution records also from the Azores (Faial, Pico, São Jorge, São Miguel, and Terceira islands). Like other members of its genus, it is a tiny fly, typically 1–3 millimeters in length. The specific epithet 'bipunctata' refers to two spots, likely a diagnostic marking pattern.
Forcipomyia bystraki
Forcipomyia bystraki is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Grogan & Wirth in 1975. The genus Forcipomyia includes species with diverse ecological roles, including pollinators of cacao trees and parasites of other insects. Males of Forcipomyia species are distinguished by their bushy, plumose antennae. Larval stages typically develop in moist environments, feeding on algae, plant debris, or fungi.
Forcipomyia fairfaxensis
Forcipomyia fairfaxensis is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Wirth in 1951. It is placed in the subgenus Lasiohelea. The species has been documented bloodfeeding on frogs in Algonquin Park, Ontario. Like other Forcipomyia species, it possesses distinctive antennal and palpal sensilla that have been studied morphologically.
Forcipomyia fuliginosa
Forcipomyia fuliginosa is a biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. It exhibits ectoparasitic hemolymphophagy, feeding on the blood of insect larvae. The species has been documented as a pest of the tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta in India, where preferential landing and blood-feeding behavior on silkworm larvae threatens the sericulture industry. It is one of numerous Forcipomyia species, some of which are notable as pollinators of cacao.
Forcipomyia glauca
Forcipomyia glauca is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Macfie in 1934. The genus Forcipomyia is notable for containing species that serve as specialized pollinators of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao), though the specific ecological role of F. glauca has not been individually documented. Adult females of many Forcipomyia species feed on blood or hemolymph, while males possess distinctive plumose antennae. The species has been recorded in Brazil.
Forcipomyia macswaini
Forcipomyia macswaini is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Wirth in 1952. The genus Forcipomyia is notable for containing species that serve as specialized pollinators, including the chocolate midges responsible for pollinating cacao trees. Members of this genus are typically minute flies, often measuring only 1-3 mm in body length. The specific epithet honors entomologist J.W. MacSwain, who made significant contributions to the study of Ceratopogonidae.
Forcipomyia pictoni
Forcipomyia pictoni is a species of biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Macfie in 1938. Like other members of the genus Forcipomyia, it is a minute fly, typically 1–3 mm in body length. The genus includes species with diverse feeding habits: adult females of some species bite vertebrates or other insects, while others are non-biting. Several Forcipomyia species are known pollinators of cacao (Theobroma cacao), though F. pictoni's specific ecological role remains undocumented.
Forcipomyia pluvialis
Forcipomyia pluvialis is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Malloch in 1923. The genus Forcipomyia includes species that are important pollinators of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao), though it is not confirmed whether this specific species performs this ecological function. Like other ceratopogonids, adults are minute flies typically 1–6 mm in length. The specific epithet 'pluvialis' (Latin for 'rainy') suggests an association with wet or rainy conditions, though this has not been explicitly documented for this species.
Heteromyia fasciata
biting midge
Heteromyia fasciata is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1825. The species occurs in North America and belongs to the genus Heteromyia, which is classified within the tribe Heteromyiini. As with other ceratopogonids, adults are small, blood-feeding flies, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Heteromyia prattii
Heteromyia prattii is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Coquillett in 1902. It occurs in eastern North America. As a member of the tribe Heteromyiini, it belongs to a group of small, blood-feeding flies commonly known as no-see-ums or punkies.
Heteromyiini
Heteromyiini is a tribe of predatory biting midges within the family Ceratopogonidae, comprising approximately 5 genera and 16 described species. Members are known to be insectivorous, feeding on other small arthropods. The tribe has been documented in Australia and New Guinea, with recent taxonomic revisions significantly expanding the known fauna. The group includes genera such as Heteromyia, Clinohelea, Neurobezzia, Neurohelea, and Pellucidomyia.
Jenkinshelea
Jenkinshelea is a genus of biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) established by Macfie in 1934. The genus contains approximately 18 described species, placing it within the tribe Sphaeromiini of the subfamily Ceratopogoninae. Like other ceratopogonids, members are small, blood-feeding or predatory flies, though species-level biology remains poorly documented.
Johannsenomyia
Johannsenomyia is a genus of biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) established by Malloch in 1915. The genus belongs to the tribe Sphaeromiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae. As with other ceratopogonids, members are small, blood-sucking or predatory flies. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records.
Johannsenomyia annulicornis
Johannsenomyia annulicornis is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Malloch in 1918. It belongs to the tribe Sphaeromiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae. The genus Johannsenomyia comprises small, delicate flies associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Leptoconops californiensis
Leptoconops californiensis is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Wirth & Atchley in 1973. It belongs to the subgenus Brachyconops within the genus Leptoconops. The species is known from California, USA. Like other members of this genus, it is likely a blood-feeding pest with aquatic or semi-aquatic immature stages, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented.
Mallochohelea
Mallochohelea is a genus of biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) established by Wirth in 1962. The genus contains at least 40 described species, with 48 species currently recognized. Members are small, blood-feeding flies in the tribe Sphaeromiini.
Mallochohelea atripes
Mallochohelea atripes is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, originally described by Wirth in 1962. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Anebomyia atripes, with the genus Mallochohelea having been synonymized under Anebomyia. As a member of the Ceratopogonidae, it belongs to a family of small, blood-feeding flies commonly known as no-see-ums or punkies.
Palpomyia rufa
Palpomyia rufa is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Loew in 1861. The specific epithet "rufa" refers to reddish coloration. Ceratopogonidae are small, blood-sucking or predatory flies commonly known as no-see-ums or biting midges. Members of the genus Palpomyia are generally predatory as larvae.
Phaenobezzia opaca
Phaenobezzia opaca is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Loew in 1861. It belongs to the tribe Palpomyiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae. The genus Phaenobezzia comprises biting midges that are generally predatory or hematophagous as adults. Specific biological details for P. opaca remain poorly documented in available literature.
Probezzia albitibia
Probezzia albitibia is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Wirth in 1971. It is one of approximately 30 described species in the genus Probezzia, a group of small, blood-feeding or predatory flies. The species is documented from North America.
Probezzia pallida
Probezzia pallida is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Malloch in 1914. It belongs to the genus Probezzia, a group of small blood-feeding flies commonly known as no-see-ums or punkies. The species is part of the tribe Sphaeromiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Probezzia xanthogaster
Probezzia xanthogaster is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Jean-Jacques Kieffer in 1917. The species belongs to the genus Probezzia, a group of small, blood-feeding flies within the tribe Sphaeromiini. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only two records in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Sphaeromias
Sphaeromias is a genus of biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) established by Curtis in 1829. The genus contains at least four described species, including S. albomarginatus, S. bifidus, S. gilvus, and S. longipennis. Members of this genus are small, blood-feeding flies belonging to the tribe Sphaeromiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae.
Sphaeromias bifidus
Sphaeromias bifidus is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Wirth & Grogan in 1979. It belongs to the tribe Sphaeromiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae. As a member of this family, it is a small, blood-feeding fly. The specific epithet 'bifidus' refers to a forked or divided structure, likely a morphological feature used in its original description.
Sphaeromiini
biting midges
Sphaeromiini is a tribe of predatory biting midges within the family Ceratopogonidae. The tribe comprises approximately 7 genera and at least 40 described species. Members are characterized as insectivorous, preying on other small insects. The Australian and New Guinea fauna has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with significant species diversity documented in these regions.
Stenoxenini
Stenoxenini is a tribe of biting midges within the family Ceratopogonidae. These small flies are placed in the subfamily Ceratopogoninae. The tribe contains relatively few described species and is characterized by distinctive morphological features related to mouthpart structure. Members are poorly known compared to other ceratopogonid tribes, with limited biological and ecological data available.
Stilobezzia
Stilobezzia is a genus of predaceous biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae, comprising more than 330 described species worldwide. Adult females are predators of other small insects. Immature stages develop in aquatic and semiaquatic habitats. The genus is absent from Antarctica and some islands.
Stilobezzia antennalis
Stilobezzia antennalis is a species of predaceous midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. Originally described as Ceratopogon antennalis by Coquillett in 1901, this species belongs to a genus of biting midges known for predatory feeding habits. It represents one of many species within the diverse Ceratopogonidae family, commonly known as no-see-ums or biting midges.
Stilobezzia coquilletti
Stilobezzia coquilletti is a species of predaceous biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Jean-Jacques Kieffer in 1917. The species is known from Brazil, with records from Amazonas and São Paulo states. As a member of the genus Stilobezzia, it belongs to a group of ceratopogonids characterized by predatory larval and adult stages. The specific epithet honors the American entomologist Daniel William Coquillett.
Stilobezzia sybleae
Stilobezzia sybleae is a species of predaceous biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Wirth in 1953. The genus Stilobezzia comprises small, predatory midges whose larvae and adults feed on other small invertebrates. The species epithet honors Syble, likely referring to a person significant to the describer.
Stilobezzia viridis
Stilobezzia viridis is a species of predaceous midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Goetghebuer in 1935. The species belongs to a genus of biting midges known for their predatory habits. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species.