Biting midges are small, barely-visible, blood-sucking flies can be a nuisance to those who spend time outdoors. They will readily bite humans, the bites are irritating, painful, and can cause long-lasting painful lesions for some people. They breed in salt and fresh water habitats. Biting midges are a known transmitter of Mansonella ozzaqrdi, a human nematode parasite. Only the female bites and takes blood using an elongated jaw with small cutting teeth. Feeding takes approximately 2-5 minutes if undisturbed.
