No-see-um
Guides
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.
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.
Forcipomyia
biting midges, no-see-ums, punkies
Forcipomyia is a large genus of biting midges comprising over 1,000 described species. The genus exhibits remarkable ecological diversity: species in the subgenus Lasiohelea are vertebrate blood-feeders, some species act as ectoparasites on larger insects, and others serve as the exclusive pollinators of cacao (Theobroma cacao), making them essential to chocolate production. This genus belongs to the family Ceratopogonidae and demonstrates one of the highest recorded wing-beat frequencies among insects.
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 genualis
Forcipomyia genualis is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. Like other members of the genus Forcipomyia, adults are minute flies, typically 1–3 mm in length. The genus includes species with diverse feeding habits: some females bite birds or mammals, others feed on the blood of large insects such as moths and dragonflies, and some are pollinators. Larvae develop in moist or decaying organic substrates, feeding on algae, plant debris, or fungi.
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.
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.
Leptoconops
black gnat, no-see-um
Leptoconops is a genus of biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) commonly known as black gnats or no-see-ums. The genus has a relictual distribution with predominantly tropical and subtropical range, though some species extend to temperate regions including Russia and Canada. Adults are small blood-feeding insects; females are diurnal feeders on vertebrate blood. The genus represents one of the earliest existing lineages of biting midges, with fossil records dating to Cretaceous amber.
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 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.
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.
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.