Biting midges are very small flies (1–4 mm long) called ‘nosee-ums’ in some parts of the world or, confusingly, sandflies in others such as the southern USA and Caribbean. They occur worldwide in habitats ranging from tropical forests and savannahs to agricultural districts, coastal and desert areas. The adults are compact, usually dark brown or black flies, with the wings held flat over the back at rest. Only the females suck blood and often attack in huge numbers; their bites are painful and often elicit a prolonged reaction in sensitive individuals. The males, which can be distinguished by their plumrose antennae, feed only on plant sugars. The larvae are small and worm-like, swimming in a sinusoidal manner through wet or moist habitats such as fresh or brackish water or mud, decomposing vegetation and wet bovine droppings.

The Ceratopogonidae (biting midges) …