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Keys to MidgesSince it would be impossible to show all 5,000+ species of aquatic Diptera here, given are three examples of diverse, common midges. These examples share traits that are common in all aquatic Diptera. The three families choose span a large range in size and shape, from the very small Simuliidae (black fly) to the large Tipulidae (crane fly). The most common of all aquatic midges is the Chironomidae having 175+ genera and 1000+ species. When a fishermen uses the word, midge, they are usually referring to any very small aquatic or terrestrial insect. On the other hand, when entomologists refer to a midge, they are speaking of Diptera, the order of true flies. Diptera means 2 wings, and encompasses all common flies, such as a housefly. This is one of the larger orders of insects; there are over 16,000+ species with 5,000 + having aquatic larval stages (that's a lot of Latin). Luckily their diminutive size and their common characteristics make them easy to imitate What midges lack in size, they make up for in quantity. Think of it this way - the largest mammal on this planet; whales, feed on the smallest organism; plankton. Midges go through complete metamorphosis, giving the fisherman three chances to imitate them: the larva, pupa, and adult stages. Because some midges have fast reproduction and are multi-brooding, these three stages are available to trout year round. You can find midges on warm days in the dead of winter on most trout waters. Midges have gotten a bad rap over the years. Commonly called the fisherman's curse, their small size has made them difficult to fish. Today's technology, small hooks and light tippet, makes it easy and productive to fish the midge. Identifying Midges A Midge Larva has all of the following characteristics 1) No segmented legs Midge adults have the following characteristics 1) 2 wings that lie flat over the body at rest |