Midgey vs. Midge: What’s the Difference?

• Midge

  Midge is a term used to refer to many species of small flies. The term “midge” does not define any particular taxonomic group, but includes species in several families of non-mosquito Nematoceran Diptera. They are found (seasonally or otherwise) on practically every land area outside permanently arid deserts and the frigid zones. Some midges, such as many Phlebotominae (sand fly) and Simuliidae (black fly), are vectors of various diseases. Many others play useful roles as prey items for insectivores, such as various frogs and swallows. Others are important as detritivores, participating in various nutrient cycles. The habits of midges vary greatly from species to species, though within any particular family, midges commonly have similar ecological roles.

  Examples of families that include species of midges include:

  Blephariceridae, net-winged midges

  Cecidomyiidae, gall midges

  Ceratopogonidae, biting midges (also known as no-see-ums or punkies in North America, and sandflies in Australia)

  Chaoboridae, phantom midges

  Chironomidae, non-biting midges (also known as muckleheads or muffleheads in the Great Lakes region of North America)

  Deuterophlebiidae, mountain midges

  Dixidae, meniscus midges

  Scatopsidae, dung midges

  Theumaleidae, solitary midges

• Midgey (adjective)

  Swarming with midges.

• Midge (noun)

  any of various small two-winged flies, for example, from the family Chironomidae or non-biting midges, the family Chaoboridae or phantom midges, and the family Ceratopogonidae or biting midges, all belonging to the order Diptera

• Midge (noun)

  any bait or lure designed to resemble a midge

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