Vector Information Sheet MISTAKEN IDENTITIES There are certain insects that are commonly attack man in many parts of the United mistaken for mosquitoes by the public. Our States, particularly the South and West. The District has received quite a number of bite usually produces a temporary swelling complaint calls that turn out to be about that may become vesicular, rupture and insects other than mosquitoes. produce an open lesion that may exude moisture for weeks. In the past, after a heavy Non-biting Midges rain, the District received complaints from The non-biting midges near the lower mountain range on the (Chironomidae) are small flies north/west side of the Valley indicating their that closely resemble presence in the Valley. mosquitoes. Despite not being able to pierce the skin, midges Crane Fly can be a serious nuisance The crane flies (Tipulidae) are problem in urban areas, particularly along much larger than mosquitoes lake front communities. During peak reaching body sizes of 1 to 2 emergence, massive swarms of these midges inches in length. Most species can cover houses, cars, and other structures are tan colored and are weak nearby the lakes or ponds and other water flyers. The larvae live in sources that serve as breeding habitats. moist soil, muddy water or decomposing Adult chironomid midges are short-lived and material. The adult flies are unable to bite, weak flyers, largely found around country and they do not have medical or economic club lakes. importance. Biting Midges Fungus Gnats The biting midges or The fungus gnats “no-see-ums” (Mycetophilidae) are (Culicoides) are very slender, mosquito-like small, grayish colored insects with long legs. flies about the size of They are usually found in an ordinary pinhead. damp places where there is These flies feed on blood and produce very ample decaying vegetation painful, burning bites. The larvae are aquatic (leaf and grass piles). The or semiaquatic, including fresh or salt water, adult gnats are relatively abundant, flying in tree holes, decaying plant materials, sandy the shade in wooded areas. The gnats are and alkaline soils. Certain species, such as active at dusk and at night, and are attracted Lepotconops torrens (Townsend), severely to light. The adult fungus gnat does not bite. Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District·43-420 Trader Place, Indio, CA 92201·(760) 342-8287 www.cvmvcd.org 09/20/18 VIS-11 .