Biting Midges, Punkies or No-see-ums

Family Ceratopogonidae

Heteromyia sp.. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Most species of Ceratopogonidae suck body fluids from other insects or feed on nectar or pollen, but the females of some species are bloodfeeders on humans and are often serious pests. Some of the larger species are predaceous on smaller insects. They are common along seashores or shores of rivers and lakes. The larvae are aquatic or semi-aquatic and occur in sand, mud, decaying vegetation and in the water of tree holes. The larvae are scavengers. These are very small flies that look like midges (Chironomidae) but are usually more stout-bodied with broader wings that are held flat over the body when at rest. They often have patterned wings.