Biting Midges (Ceratopogonidae, Culicoides)

Abstract Biting midges are small nematocerous flies belonging to the Ceratopogonidae family. They are also known as no-see-ums, punkies, biting gnats or sandflies. This chapter offers a concise review of the taxonomy, morphology, biology, ecology, medical and veterinary importance, and management of biting midges. Ceratopogonidae are distributed worldwide with over 6200 species. The most important genus is Culicoides, which counts over 1300 species. Members of this genus are known to bite animals, sucking blood. They can be annoying pests to humans and wild and domestic vertebrates. At least 60 Culicoides species are recognized as vectors of viruses, protozoans and filarial nematodes affecting humans and livestock. Oropouche fever is the most known viral disease that affects humans. Key viruses affecting animals include bluetongue virus, African horse sickness virus, epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer virus; these pathogens can lead to serious damages, such as mortality, abortions, sterility. Some nematode species transmitted by Culicoides cause mansonellosis and onchocerciasis. In the final section, current control strategies against Culicoides in the framework of Integrated Pest/Vector Management are critically discussed.