The
Ceratopogonidae (biting midges) include serious blood-sucking pests, feeding both on humans and other mammals. Some of them spread the livestock diseases known as
blue tongue and
African horse sickness – other species though, are at least partly nectar feeders, and some even suck insect bodily fluids. Many midges are known for having symbiotic relationships with many other organisms. These can be
commensal, parasitic or mutualistic relationships. Many of the commensal relationships are found within the family
Chironomidae. sucking its
hemolymph whilst the mantis feeds on a bee Other ceratopogonid midges are major pollinators of
Theobroma cacao (cocoa tree). Having natural pollinators has beneficial effects in both agricultural and biological products because it increases crop yield and also density of predators of the midges (still beneficial to all parties). The term "midge" is a vague term that refers to a large and diverse group of organisms. Although many are known as "bloodsuckers," there are many different roles that they play in their respective ecosystems. Non-biting midge flies are commonly considered a minor nuisance around bodies of water. In May 2025, a large emergence of midges caused mayhem at the World Exposition in Osaka, Japan. ==See also==