midge

A midge is any small fly, including species in several families of non-mosquito nematoceran Diptera. Midges are found (seasonally or otherwise) on practically every land area outside permanently arid deserts and the frigid zones. Some midges, such as many Phlebotominae (sand fly) and Simuliidae (black fly), are vectors of various diseases. Many others play useful roles as prey for insectivores, such as various frogs and swallows. Others are important as detritivores, and form part of various nutrient cycles. The habits of midges vary greatly from species to species, though within any given family midges commonly have similar ecological roles.

Examples of families that include species of midges include: Blephariceridae, net-winged midges Cecidomyiidae, gall midges Ceratopogonidae, biting midges (also known as no-see-ums or punkies in North America and sandflies in Australia) Chaoboridae, phantom midges Chironomidae, non-biting midges (also known as muckleheads, muffleheads or lake flies in the Great Lakes region of North America) Deuterophlebiidae, mountain midges Dixidae, meniscus midges Scatopsidae, dung midges Thaumaleidae, solitary midges