Ceratopogonidae

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  • Also known as midges
  • Culicoides the most important veterinary species
  • Found worldwide
  • Attacks a wide variety of animals and also attacks humans


Recognition

  • Small flies 2-5mm long
  • Dark colouring
  • Arched thorax giving a 'hump-backed' appearance
  • Mottled wings


Life cycle

  • Eggs laid on plants near water
  • Larvae fall into water and pupate
  • Life cycle takes 6-12 months to complete in temperate climates
    • Takes only 1 month in tropical climates


Pathogenesis

  • Most active in late afternoon and early evening
  • Painful irritating bites
    • Only females suck blood
  • Causes 'Sweet itch', a culicoides hypersensitivity reaction
    • Seasonally occurring allergic dermatitis of horses
    • Affects the base of the tail and the withers
    • Intermediate-type hypersensitivity reaction to the midge saliva


Control This is difficult due to the extensive breeding sites

  • Drainage of breeding sites
  • Stable horses at peak midge activity times e.g. from late afternoon to early morning
  • Insecticide fly strips in stable
  • Topical fly repellent