Do Midge Flies Bite? Uncovering the Truth About These Tiny Pests

Midge flies, commonly found near bodies of water, often raise concerns due to their resemblance to mosquitoes. Although these small, delicate insects may look similar to their blood-sucking counterparts, there is a key difference between the two that sets them apart.

Chironomid midges, a type of non-biting midge, have an aquatic larval stage in which they inhabit the bottom of lakes and ponds. Adult chironomid midges, unlike mosquitoes, do not bite or transmit diseases and have a short lifespan of about two to three days source. On the other hand, biting midges, also known as no-see-ums, punkies, or sand flies, do bite and can cause itchiness or discomfort. Despite the potential annoyance, it’s essential to recognize that not all midge flies are harmful and some are simply harmless insects that pose no risk to humans.

Identifying Midge Flies

Appearance

Midge flies, also known as non-biting midges, belong to the family Chironomidae and look very similar to mosquitoes. They have a soft body with long, narrow wings and long, skinny legs¹. Here are some key characteristics:

• Long, narrow wings
• Long, skinny legs
• Soft-bodied
• Found near bodies of water

Size and Wings

Midge flies are relatively small insects, with sizes ranging from 1/32 to 1 3/8 inch in length². They belong to the Diptera order, which means they have only one pair of wings¹. Their wings and legs are notably long and slender in comparison to their body size.

Male Vs Female Midges

There are a few key differences between male and female midges. Male midges have bushy or feathery antennae, while female midges have feathered antennae². Let’s compare them in a table:

It’s important to note that unlike mosquitoes, female midge flies do not bite¹. They do not have the necessary mouthparts to bite. Therefore, midge flies are considered harmless to humans.

In summary, midge flies are small, non-biting insects resembling mosquitoes. They have a soft body, long narrow wings, and skinny legs. Males have bushy antennae, while females have feathered antennae. Although they look similar to mosquitoes, midges do not bite and are therefore considered harmless.

Biting Midges and Their Behavior

Blood Feeding Habits

Biting midges are small flies belonging to the family Ceratopogonidae, with over 4,000 species worldwide¹. Unlike non-biting midges, these tiny insects feed on blood, using their narrow proboscis to pierce the skin and extract blood from their hosts. Some examples of biting midges include species from the Culicoides genus³.

Painful Bites

Midge bites can be quite painful and itchy for humans and other animals. Although they are small, their bites can cause discomfort and even allergic reactions in some cases².

Swarming and Breeding

Biting midges are known to form swarms and are attracted to specific habitats like swamps or wetlands. These areas provide ideal breeding sites for midges, as the aquatic larvae can develop in the organic muck at the bottom of the water body⁴.

Comparison between Biting Midges and Mosquitoes

Pros and Cons of Biting Midge-Control Methods

For controlling biting midges, it is essential to understand their pros and cons:

• Insecticides: can be effective but harmful to non-target organisms and the environment
• Traps: may reduce midge numbers but may not completely eliminate the problem
• Physical barriers: can keep midges away from living spaces but may not be practical in all situations

In summary, biting midges are small blood-feeding insects known for their painful bites and swarming behavior. They are attracted to damp habitats like swamps, where they breed and develop. Understanding their behavior and control methods can help minimize the discomfort caused by these pesky insects.

The Life Cycle of Midge Flies

Eggs and Larvae

Midge flies lay their eggs in masses on aquatic habitats like ponds, lakes, and marshes. Once hatched, the larvae (commonly known as bloodworms) live in the sediment of these habitats.

Some characteristics of midge larvae include:

• Chironomidae family
• Aquatic life stage
• Vital part of the ecosystem

Midges serve an essential role in the food chain, as fish and other aquatic organisms rely on them as a food source.

Pupae and Imago

After the larval stage, midges enter the pupal stage, where they develop into adults (imago). Emerging adult midges have delicate, dainty bodies, with long, narrow wings and long, skinny legs. Males have bushy antennae, while females often have feathered ones.

Mating and Reproduction

Mating in midges mainly occurs during their short adult lifespan, which lasts about two to three days. Males detect the high-pitched sounds of females’ wings using their antennae, and swarms form to mate.

After mating, females lay egg masses in water, restarting the midge life cycle.

Comparison of Midges and Mosquitoes

In conclusion, midge flies have a fascinating life cycle that plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. While they may resemble mosquitoes, they do not bite or transmit diseases, making them less problematic for humans.

Preventing and Treating Midge Bites

Protective Measures

• Use insect repellent: Apply repellents containing DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and long pants can help prevent bites.
• Use nets and screens: Install window screens and use bed nets to keep midges away.

Home Remedies

• Ice pack: Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and relieve itchiness.
• Tea tree oil: Dab a small amount of diluted tea tree oil on the affected area to soothe itching.
• Baby oil: Some people find applying baby oil on exposed skin can deter midges from biting.

Medical Treatments

• Antihistamine: Take over-the-counter antihistamines to minimize allergic reactions like hives and itching.
• In case of infection: If you experience fever or signs of infection, seek medical attention promptly.

Non-Biting Midges and Their Role in the Environment

Feeding Patterns

Non-biting midges, also known as blind mosquitoes, belong to the family Chironomidae. They are commonly mistaken for mosquitoes; however, they do not bite. As larvae, they are called bloodworms, due to their red color containing hemoglobin. Bloodworms eat organic matter and algae. Adult midges mainly feed on nectar to obtain energy for reproduction.

Habitat

Non-biting midges can be found in various habitats such as:

• Ponds
• Lakes
• Rivers

They are closely related to phantom midges or Chaoboridae, which are also predatory and non-biting. These aquatic midges can emerge in large numbers from their habitats and are attracted to bright lights on homes near water.

Ecological Importance

Non-biting midges play a significant role in the ecosystem. Some key ecological contributions include:

• Serving as a food source: They provide sustenance for fish, birds, and other insects.
• Pollination: Adult midges that feed on nectar contribute to plant pollination.
• Organic matter breakdown: Bloodworms help break down organic matter in aquatic environments.

In conclusion, non-biting midges, or blind mosquitoes, are harmless insects that contribute positively to the environment.