Printable brochure on biting midges, no-see-ums
Biting Midges, no-see-ums
Culicoides spp. (Insecta: Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Introduction:
Ceratopogonidae, also known as biting midges, no-see-ums, or punkies (Culicoides spp.), are two winged flies found around the world that are so small they often are not seen but are felt. Biting midges are blood-feeding flies known to effectively transmit viruses in animals such as, epidemic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) to deer and the bluetongue virus to sheep. In California there has been no recorded cases of biting midges transmitting pathogens to humans. The bites from midges can produce a severe localized reaction and individuals may experience intense itching, swelling, & (in sensitive individuals) seeping ulcerations that can last for several weeks. Topical applications of corticosteroids or antihistamines are recommended products to help relive discomfort form these bites. Some areas such as: inside the ears, the face, & around the eyes produce a higher discomfort from bites than areas on the torso &/or extremities. If a rash &/or allergy symptoms occur, or if reactions persist it is recommended to seek medical attention.
Life Cycle:
The complete life cycle of biting midges can take place in as little as 2 to 6 weeks (species & environmentally 
No-see-ummsdependent) where they go through four developmental stages, which are, egg, larva, pupa, and finally the adult stage.
Eggs are about 0.25mm long and shaped like a banana. When eggs are first laid they are white but turn brown-black later on. Eggs are laid on moist soil and cannot survive drying out. Some species can lay up to 450 eggs/batch and lay as many as seven batches during their lifespan. Eggs hatch within two to ten days (temperature & specie dependent). Both male & female adult midges fed on nectar, but the female requires a blood meal for her eggs to mature. However, some species are able to produce their first batch without a blood meal using preserved blood form the larval stage. Blood feedings primarily take place around dusk &/or dawn.
Larvae are worm-like, approximately 2-5mm long, and creamy-white in color, and go through four instars of development during this stage. Larvae require food, air, and water to survive and are not only aquatic (water) or terrestrial (land) meaning larvae cannot develop with out moisture, yet they cannot survive more than a few inches below air-water surfaces. Larvae are normally present near salt marshes, swamps, shores near streams and ponds, as well as other muddy areas rich in organisms to which they fed off of. The larva stage can last up to a year depending on geographic’s, species, and temperatures. The pupa stage normally last two to three days and is known as the resting stage before emerging as an adult.
Adults are typically grey, less than 1/8in long, with two wings that have dense hairs that illustrate pigmentation patterns. These patterns on the wings help biologist in specie identification. Mouthparts are developed in the proboscis with cutting teeth on an elongated mandible that is adapted for blood sucking in females. The abdomen
adult no-see-um
Adult no-see-ums are usually found near breeding grounds, but will go as far as 2km (1.24mi) for females and less than ½ this distance for males, to mate.
Males emerge before females and are ready to mate as soon as the female emerges from her pupa stage. When the female flies into a swarm of males mating takes place. However some species do not mate in swarms. Instead these males go to blood feeding hosts and mate with the female immediately after a blood meal.
No-see-ums & their bitesPrevention:
Personal protective measures work best in the prevention of bites and/or allergic reactions. When biting insects (gnats, no-see-ums, etc) are prevalent it is recommended to wear protective clothing covering exposed skin. In extreme scenarios a fine mesh mosquito net may be required as well as gloves to protect the back of hands. Repellants containing the active ingredient DEET (N,N-diethyl-M-Toluamide) is also a good mechanism toward bite prevention.