Midges, Mosquitoes, Aquatic Gnats & Flies
(order Diptera)

    

Identify this fish

adult mosquito

World species: 8000          
Species in N.A. north of Mexico: 3500
Source of name: adults have 2 ("di") wings (ptera)
Names: these are "true flies"

This important order of insects has some of the "nasty" ones: 

  • mosquitoes
  • black flies
  • biting midges
  • deer flies
  • horse flies
  • and others that feed on the blood of people, livestock and wild animals


mosquito larva

Midge flies
(To reveal the pupal form of the adult, place your mouse over the image)


  midge pupa/adult

The ubiquitous midge flies are prolific in warmer regions, where as many as 6 generations may occur.  They are normally found in larger numbers swarming near stillwater habitats.

Black flies


black fly adult

Black flies are well known to fly fishers in the northern US & Canada.  Popular nickname, "smut". An abundant, widespread swarming fly that gets in eyes, ears and mouths, and some bite.  Generally April through September, with several generations throughout the year.

Terrestrials / Fishflies, Dobsonflies & Alderflies