Biting Midges, No-See-Ums Culicoides spp. (Insecta: Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) : EENY349/IN626, 9/2025

Abstract

Biting midges (also known as no-see-ums, sand flies, or sand gnats) are tiny bloodsucking flies that are important for several reasons. In the United States, especially in coastal areas, these biting insects are often abundant and persistent pests of campers, beachgoers, fishers, and anyone desiring to enjoy the outdoors. Biting midges are also important as vectors (transmitters) of deadly and debilitating pathogens that affect wild and domesticated animals, especially livestock and game animals. Biting midges can even transmit pathogens like Oropouche virus and filarial worms that affect humans in many parts of the world, especially in South America and Africa. This revision of the Featured Creature document on biting midges provides detailed information on biting midges' diversity, distribution, description, life cycle, ecology, medical and veterinary significance, management, and prevention.