BITING MIDGE

the smallest bloodsucking insect (about 1 millimetre [0.04 inch] long), sometimes considered a member of the midge family (Chironomidae) but more recently placed in the family Ceratopogonidae (order Diptera). Biting midgesoften a serious pest along seashores, rivers, and lakesmay attack in great numbers and cause extreme discomfort. The nickname no-see-ums is descriptive, for, although its irritating bite is felt, the female midge is difficult to find. The larvae live in fresh and brackish water, in moist soil, or under tree bark. The genera Culicoides and Leptoconops, also known as sand flies (q.v.), or punkies, attack humans but are not known to transmit any diseases to them. Many species attack other insects (e.g., mantids, walking-sticks, and dragonflies).