Morphology

MORPHOLOGY - BITING MIDGES

  • Small, 1-2mm long

Head

  • Small with prominent eyes
  • Antenna : 12-14 segmented, plumose in male and pilose in female
  • Small biting type of mouthparts
  • Maxillary palps : Long

Thorax

  • Wings with light and dark pattern, due to pigmentation in the wing membrane-grey with pale spots covered with minute setae
  • Presence of distinct humeral pits in the anterolateral region of the scutum
  • Legs are relatively short

Abdomen

  • 9 segmented, dull grey to yellowish black or brown in colour
  • Male slender than female with conspicuous claspers
  • Posterior end is rounded in females

Culicoides

Last modified: Friday, 23 December 2011, 7:19 AM