Midge

The word "midge" does not encapsulate a well-defined taxonomic group. Midges collectively are diverse, small, two-winged flies, comprising several families of Nematoceran Diptera.

While the Ceratopogonidae (biting midges) are serious biting pests, the other midge families are not. Most midges, apart from the gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), are aquatic during the larval stage. Some Cecidomyiidae (e.g., the sorghum midge) are important plant pests. The larvae of some Chironomidae contain haemoglobin and are sometimes referred to as bloodworms.