The highland midge (scientific name: Culicoides impunctatus; ; ) is a species of biting midge found across the Palearctic (throughout Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia, other regions of Northern Europe, Russia and Northern China) in upland and lowland areas (fens, bogs and marshes). In the north west of Scotland, and down the Western coast to north Wales, the highland midge is usually very prevalent from late spring to late summer. Female highland midges are well known for gathering in clouds and biting humans, though the majority of the blood they obtain comes from cattle, sheep and deer. The bite of Culicoides is felt as a sharp prick. It is often followed by irritating lumps that may disappear in a few hours or last for days, depending on the individual.
Following Scotland's exceptionally cold winter in the early part of 2010, scientists found that the prolonged freezing conditions, rather than reducing the following summer's midge population in the Scottish Highlands, in fact increased it as the cold weather had reduced the numbers of its natural predators, such as bats and birds.
Activity
Female midges tend to bite close to their breeding site (although they have been found up to ) and near to the ground.
Insect repellents such as DEET may be used. Newer and safer repellents include Icaridin.
References
Further reading
- Hendry, George. Midges in Scotland 4th Edition, Mercat Press, Edinburgh, 2003
External links
- APS Midge Forecast Interactive midge forecast for Scotland
- Institute of Animal Health Culicoides impunctatus
- Down Garden Services – Midge