Difference between revisions of "Midge" - New World Encyclopedia
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[[Image:MidgesInvadingToyotaCorolla.jpg|thumb|300px|Midges on a car]] | [[Image:MidgesInvadingToyotaCorolla.jpg|thumb|300px|Midges on a car]] | ||
| − | '''Midge''' is the common name for a small, fragile, | + | '''Midge''' is the common name for a small, fragile, flying [[insect]]s belonging to the order Diptera ("true flies"). They are generally grouped as non-biting midges (family '''Chironomidae'''), biting midges (family '''Ceratopogonidae'''), and gall midges (family '''Cecidomyiidae'''). Like other dipterans ([[mosquito]]es, [[fly|flies]]), midges have a single pair of true wings, which are used for flight, while the hind wings are reduced into a pair of small knob-like structures called the halteres. |
| − | . | + | Non-biting midges can be pests, but are harmless, while biting midges are small, bloodsucking insects. Gall midges can cause plant galls, a tissues swelling, or proliferation and modifications of plant cells, induced by the chemicals injected by the larvae or the adults. After the galls are formed, the larvae develop inside until fully grown, at which time they leave, sometimes as adults |
| − | + | The blood-red, aquatic larvae of the midge family Chironomidae are known as '''bloodworms'''. They are a key food source for [[fish]] and larger aquatic insects. | |
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| − | Midges are | + | Midges are important for the pollination of [[cocoa]]. The orange wheat blossom midge is a pest in [[cereal]] grains and is a standard research animal used for the testing of pesticides. |
| − | + | Midges are at their worst on still, damp cloudy days. They do not like direct sunlight or high winds because their flight speed is less than human walking pace. This is why midges cannot immediately follow a person when running, although they can quickly gather again if a person stops moving. | |
| − | In [[South Africa]] | + | In [[South Africa]], midges are universally known as "miggies", the [[Afrikaans]] word for midge, while in [[Singapore]], they are known commonly as [[sandflies]]. In the United States, regional terminology for adult, non-biting midges includes "muffleheads" and "muckleheads" in northern Ohio and "blind mosquitoes" in Florida. Adult non-bitig midges are known as "lake flies" in parts of [[Canada]]. |
| − | + | A flightless midge species, ''Belgica antarctica'', holds the distinction of being the largest land animal found on the continent of [[Antarctica]]. | |
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| − | A flightless midge species, '' | ||
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==Chironomidae== | ==Chironomidae== | ||
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| name = Chironomidae | | name = Chironomidae | ||
| image = Chironomus plumosus01.jpg | | image = Chironomus plumosus01.jpg | ||
| − | | image_width = | + | | image_width = 150px |
| image_caption = ''[[Chironomus|Chironomus plumosus]]'' | | image_caption = ''[[Chironomus|Chironomus plumosus]]'' | ||
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia | | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | ||
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| classis = [[Insect]]a | | classis = [[Insect]]a | ||
| ordo = [[Fly|Diptera]] | | ordo = [[Fly|Diptera]] | ||
| − | | subordo = [[Nematocera]] | + | | subordo = [[Nematocera]]* |
| − | | infraordo = [[Culicomorpha]] | + | | infraordo = [[Culicomorpha]]* |
| − | | superfamilia = [[Chironomoidea]] | + | | superfamilia = [[Chironomoidea]]* |
| familia = '''Chironomidae''' | | familia = '''Chironomidae''' | ||
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}} | }} | ||
| − | '''Chironomidae''' | + | '''Chironomidae''', informally known as ''chironomids'' or ''non-biting midges'', are a family of [[mosquito]]-like dipterans with a global distribution. Although many species superficially resemble mosquitoes, they lack the wing scales and elongate mouthparts of the Culicidae. |
| − | + | Chironomidae is a large group of insects with over 5000 described species and 700 species in [[North America]] alone. Males are easily recognized by their plumose [[antenna (biology)|antennae]]. | |
| − | + | Larvae can be found in almost any aquatic or semiaquatic habitat, including treeholes, [[bromeliads]], rotting vegetation, soil, and in sewage and artificial containers. Larvae of some species are bright red in color due to [[hemoglobin]]; these are often known as "bloodworms". Larvae are important as food items for [[fish]] and other aquatic organisms. They are also important as indicator organisms; for example, the presence or absence of various [[species]] in a given body of water can give a good idea of what kinds of pollutants may be present and in what quantities. | |
| + | Adults can be pests when they emerge in large numbers. They can damage paint, brick, and other surfaces with their droppings, and when large numbers of adults die they can build up into malodorous piles. They also can provoke [[allergy|allergic]] reactions in sensitive individuals. | ||
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| + | The family is divided into eleven subfamilies: Aphroteniinae, Buchonomyiinae, Chilenomyinae, Chironominae, Diamesinae, [[Orthocladiinae]], Podonominae, Prodiamesinae, Tanypodinae, Telmatogetoninae, Usambaromyiinae. | ||
==Ceratopogonidae== | ==Ceratopogonidae== | ||
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| name = Ceratopogonidae | | name = Ceratopogonidae | ||
| image = BitingMidge.jpg | | image = BitingMidge.jpg | ||
| − | | image_width = | + | | image_width = 150px |
| image caption = a female biting midge | | image caption = a female biting midge | ||
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia | | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | ||
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| classis = [[Insect]]a | | classis = [[Insect]]a | ||
| ordo = [[Diptera]] | | ordo = [[Diptera]] | ||
| − | | subordo = [[Nematocera]] | + | | subordo = [[Nematocera]]* |
| − | | infraordo = [[Culicomorpha]] | + | | infraordo = [[Culicomorpha]]* |
| − | | superfamilia = [[Chironomoidea]] | + | | superfamilia = [[Chironomoidea]]* |
| familia = '''Ceratopogonidae''' | | familia = '''Ceratopogonidae''' | ||
| + | }} | ||
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| + | '''Ceratopogonidae''', or '''biting midges''' (or, in the [[United States]], '''no-see-ums''', '''[[sand flies]]''', '''punkies''', and others), are a family of small flies (1-4 mm long) in the order [[Diptera]]. They are closely related to the [[Chironomidae]], [[Simuliidae]], and [[Thaumaleidae]]. They are found in almost any aquatic or semiaquatic habitat throughout the world. Females of most [[species]] are adapted to suck [[blood]] from some kind of [[host (biology)|host]] animal. ''Culicoides'', ''Forcipomyia (Lasiohelea)'', and ''Leptoconops'' suck [[vertebrate]] [[blood]]. Some ''Atrichopogon'' and ''Forcipomyia'' are [[ectoparasite]]s on larger insects. ''Dasyhelea'' feed exclusively on nectar. [[Species]] in other [[genus|genera]] are [[predator]]y on other small insects. [[Larvae]] are always found in some damp location, such as under [[bark]], in rotten wood, [[compost]], mud, stream margins, [[tree holes]], or water-holding plants (i.e., [[phytotelmata]]). Many of the [[blood-sucking]] [[species]], or those that feed via [[hematophagy]], are pests in [[beach]] or [[mountain]] [[Habitat (ecology)|habitats]]. Other [[species]] are important [[pollinators]] of tropical [[Crop (agriculture)|crops]] such as [[cacao]]. The [[blood-sucking]] [[species]] may be [[vector (biology)|vectors]] of [[disease]]-causing [[viruses]], [[protozoa]], and [[filarial worms]]. | ||
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| + | Biting midges fly in swarms and usually don't stray too far from their breeding grounds. Females feed on blood for protein to produce eggs. Males only feed on nectar. | ||
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| + | The [[Highland midge]] is found in large numbers in the [[Scottish Highlands]]. They are famously vicious and have become something of a [[cultural icon]] in [[Scotland]]. They were also a favourite subject of author [[Vladimir Nabokov]]. Irish midges have a similarly fearsome reputation. | ||
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| subdivision_ranks = Subfamilies | | subdivision_ranks = Subfamilies | ||
| subdivision = | | subdivision = | ||
| − | [[Forcipomyiinae]]<br/> | + | [[Forcipomyiinae]]*<br/> |
| − | [[Dasyheleinae]]<br/> | + | [[Dasyheleinae]]*<br/> |
| − | [[Ceratopogoninae]]<br/> | + | [[Ceratopogoninae]]*<br/> |
| − | [[Leptoconopinae]] | + | [[Leptoconopinae]]* |
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==Cecidomyiidae== | ==Cecidomyiidae== | ||
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| superfamilia = [[Bibionomorpha]] | | superfamilia = [[Bibionomorpha]] | ||
| familia = '''Cecidomyiidae''' | | familia = '''Cecidomyiidae''' | ||
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}} | }} | ||
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Cecidomyiidae are also known for the strange phenomenon of [[paedogenesis]] in which the larval stage reproduces without maturing first. Even stranger in some species the daughter larvae produced within a mother larva consume the mother and in others the reproduction occurs in the egg or pupa. | Cecidomyiidae are also known for the strange phenomenon of [[paedogenesis]] in which the larval stage reproduces without maturing first. Even stranger in some species the daughter larvae produced within a mother larva consume the mother and in others the reproduction occurs in the egg or pupa. | ||
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| + | | subdivision_ranks = Subfamilies | ||
| + | | subdivision = | ||
| + | *[[Cecidomyiinae]] | ||
| + | *[[Lestremiinae]] | ||
| + | *[[Porricondylinae]] | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 01:51, 12 May 2007
Midge is the common name for a small, fragile, flying insects belonging to the order Diptera ("true flies"). They are generally grouped as non-biting midges (family Chironomidae), biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae), and gall midges (family Cecidomyiidae). Like other dipterans (mosquitoes, flies), midges have a single pair of true wings, which are used for flight, while the hind wings are reduced into a pair of small knob-like structures called the halteres.
Non-biting midges can be pests, but are harmless, while biting midges are small, bloodsucking insects. Gall midges can cause plant galls, a tissues swelling, or proliferation and modifications of plant cells, induced by the chemicals injected by the larvae or the adults. After the galls are formed, the larvae develop inside until fully grown, at which time they leave, sometimes as adults
The blood-red, aquatic larvae of the midge family Chironomidae are known as bloodworms. They are a key food source for fish and larger aquatic insects.
Midges are important for the pollination of cocoa. The orange wheat blossom midge is a pest in cereal grains and is a standard research animal used for the testing of pesticides.
Midges are at their worst on still, damp cloudy days. They do not like direct sunlight or high winds because their flight speed is less than human walking pace. This is why midges cannot immediately follow a person when running, although they can quickly gather again if a person stops moving.
In South Africa, midges are universally known as "miggies", the Afrikaans word for midge, while in Singapore, they are known commonly as sandflies. In the United States, regional terminology for adult, non-biting midges includes "muffleheads" and "muckleheads" in northern Ohio and "blind mosquitoes" in Florida. Adult non-bitig midges are known as "lake flies" in parts of Canada.
A flightless midge species, Belgica antarctica, holds the distinction of being the largest land animal found on the continent of Antarctica.
Chironomidae
| Chironomidae | ||||||||||||||||
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 Chironomus plumosus
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||
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Chironomidae, informally known as chironomids or non-biting midges, are a family of mosquito-like dipterans with a global distribution. Although many species superficially resemble mosquitoes, they lack the wing scales and elongate mouthparts of the Culicidae.
Chironomidae is a large group of insects with over 5000 described species and 700 species in North America alone. Males are easily recognized by their plumose antennae.
Larvae can be found in almost any aquatic or semiaquatic habitat, including treeholes, bromeliads, rotting vegetation, soil, and in sewage and artificial containers. Larvae of some species are bright red in color due to hemoglobin; these are often known as "bloodworms". Larvae are important as food items for fish and other aquatic organisms. They are also important as indicator organisms; for example, the presence or absence of various species in a given body of water can give a good idea of what kinds of pollutants may be present and in what quantities.
Adults can be pests when they emerge in large numbers. They can damage paint, brick, and other surfaces with their droppings, and when large numbers of adults die they can build up into malodorous piles. They also can provoke allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
The family is divided into eleven subfamilies: Aphroteniinae, Buchonomyiinae, Chilenomyinae, Chironominae, Diamesinae, Orthocladiinae, Podonominae, Prodiamesinae, Tanypodinae, Telmatogetoninae, Usambaromyiinae.
Ceratopogonidae
| Ceratopogonidae | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||
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Ceratopogonidae, or biting midges (or, in the United States, no-see-ums, sand flies, punkies, and others), are a family of small flies (1-4 mm long) in the order Diptera. They are closely related to the Chironomidae, Simuliidae, and Thaumaleidae. They are found in almost any aquatic or semiaquatic habitat throughout the world. Females of most species are adapted to suck blood from some kind of host animal. Culicoides, Forcipomyia (Lasiohelea), and Leptoconops suck vertebrate blood. Some Atrichopogon and Forcipomyia are ectoparasites on larger insects. Dasyhelea feed exclusively on nectar. Species in other genera are predatory on other small insects. Larvae are always found in some damp location, such as under bark, in rotten wood, compost, mud, stream margins, tree holes, or water-holding plants (i.e., phytotelmata). Many of the blood-sucking species, or those that feed via hematophagy, are pests in beach or mountain habitats. Other species are important pollinators of tropical crops such as cacao. The blood-sucking species may be vectors of disease-causing viruses, protozoa, and filarial worms.
Biting midges fly in swarms and usually don't stray too far from their breeding grounds. Females feed on blood for protein to produce eggs. Males only feed on nectar.
The Highland midge is found in large numbers in the Scottish Highlands. They are famously vicious and have become something of a cultural icon in Scotland. They were also a favourite subject of author Vladimir Nabokov. Irish midges have a similarly fearsome reputation.
| subdivision_ranks = Subfamilies
| subdivision =
Forcipomyiinae
Dasyheleinae
Ceratopogoninae
Leptoconopinae
Cecidomyiidae
| Gall midges | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
|
Cecidomyiidae (sometimes misspelled Cecidomyidae) is the correct name for the insects known as gall midges or gall gnats. They are flies (Order Diptera). As the name implies, the larvae of most gall midges feed within plant tissue, creating abnormal plant growths called galls.
These are very fragile small insects usually only 2-3 mm. in length and many are less than 1 mm long. They are characterised by hairy wings, unusual in the Order Diptera, and have long antennae. Worldwide there are 3000+ species but since 1,100 are from well-studied North America it is clear this is an underestimate. Many are economically significant especially the important insect pest of wheat, the Hessian fly, the galls causing severe damage to the crop. Other important pests include the lentil flower midge (Contarinia lentis), the lucerne flower midge (C. medicaginis) and the alfalfa sprout midge (Dasineura ignorata) on the Leguminosae ; the Swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii) and the brassica pod midge (Dasineura brassicae) on the Cruciferae; the pear midge (Contarinia pyrivora) and the raspberry cane midge (Resseliella theobaldi) on fruit crops.
Curiously a large number of species are natural enemies of other crop pests. The larvae of these species are predaceous, and some are even reported as parasitoids. The most common prey are aphids and spider mites, followed by scale insects , then other small prey such as whiteflies and thrips and many eat the eggs of other insects or mites. Because the tiny larva are incapable of moving considerable distances, there usually has to be a substantial population of prey present before the adults will lay eggs and Cecidiomyiidae are most frequently be seen during pest outbreaks. One species Aphidoletes aphidomyza is an important component of biological control programs for greenhouse crops and is widely sold in the United States of America.
Cecidomyiidae are also known for the strange phenomenon of paedogenesis in which the larval stage reproduces without maturing first. Even stranger in some species the daughter larvae produced within a mother larva consume the mother and in others the reproduction occurs in the egg or pupa.
| subdivision_ranks = Subfamilies | subdivision =
- Cecidomyiinae
- Lestremiinae
- Porricondylinae
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
Jahn, GC and B. Khiev. 2004. Gall midge in Cambodian lowland rice. pp. 71-76. In J. Benett, JS Bentur, IC Pasula, K. Krishnaiah, [eds]. New approaches to gall midge resistance in rice. Proceedings of the International Workshop, 22-24 November 1998, Hyderabad, India. Los Baños (Philippines): International Rice Research Institute and Indian Coucil of Agricultural Research. 195 p. ISBN 9712201988
Heong, KL, YH Chen, DE Johnson, GC Jahn, M Hossain, RS Hamilton. 2005. Debate Over a GM Rice Trial in China. Letters. Science, Vol 310, Issue 5746, 231-233 , 14 October 2005.
Huang, J., Ruifa Hu, Scott Rozelle, Carl Pray. 2005. Insect-Resistant GM Rice in Farmers' Fields: Assessing Productivity and Health Effects in China. Science (29 April 2005) Vol. 308. no. 5722, pp. 688 – 690. DOI: 10.1126/science.1108972
- Blanton, F.S. and W.W. Wirth. 1979. The sand flies (Culicoides) of Florida (Ceratopogonidae). Arthropods of Florida and Neighboring Land Areas Volume 10. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
- Borkent, A. and W.W. Wirth. 1997. World species of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 233: 1-257.
- Clastrier, J. and W.W. Wirth. 1978. The Leptoconops kerteszi complex in North America (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). United States Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin Number 1573.
- Downes, J.A. and W.W. Wirth. 1981. Chapter 28: Ceratopogonidae. Pp. 393-421. In: McAlpine, J.F., B.V. Peterson, G.E. Shewell, H.J. Teskey, J.R. Vockeroth, and D.M. Wood. Manual of Nearctic Diptera, Volume 1. Agriculture Canada Monograph 27.
- Mullen, G.R. and L.J. Hribar. 1988. Biology and feeding behavior of ceratopogonid larvae (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in North America. Bulletin of the Society for Vector Ecology 13: 60-81.
- Wirth, W.W. and F.S. Blanton. 1974. The West Indian sandflies of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). United States Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin Number 1474.
- Wirth, W.W. and W.L. Grogan, Jr. 1988. The Predaceous Midges of the World (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae; Tribe Ceratopogonini). Flora and Fauna Handbook Number 4. E.J. Brill Publishers, Leiden. xv + 160 pp.
- Wirth, W.W., N.C. Ratanaworabhan, and D.H. Messersmith. 1977. Natural history of Plummers Island, Maryland. XXII. Biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). 1. Introduction and key to genera. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 90(3): 615-647.
- Hendry, George. Midges in Scotland 4th Edition, Mercat Press, Edinburgh, 2003 ISBN 1-84183-062-3
External links
- Scottish University project on midges
- Highland biting midge species profile
- Solving the problem of being ‘eaten alive’ by midges
- The sorghum midge: with suggestions for control hosted by the UNT Government Documents Department
Template:Fly-stub
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