The Buzzer Midge is called a ‘true fly’ because it has two wings, like the Winter Gnat and the Common Mosquito. It is a non-biting midge that tends to fly in large swarms and while doing so creates a mild buzzing sound and this is why it has its name the ‘Buzzer Midge’. Buzzer Midges can be seen throughout England from spring to autumn.

Buzzer Midges are approximately ten millimetres in length and can vary from green to ginger and to brown to black. These different colour variations allow these midges to blend well into many different backgrounds. They also have two relatively short wings and two long antennae. Buzzer Midges can often be seen near fresh water ponds, lakes and rivers and because of this they are also confused for mosquitoes, although mosquitoes prefer to live near stagnant water.

Female Buzzer Midges lay their eggs in water and larvae, known as ‘bloodworms’, hatch out of the eggs. They are called ‘bloodworms’ because they are a bright red colour and look like tiny worms. They live at the bottom of the water in burrows where they turn to pupae. The pupae rise to the surface and are often eaten by trout or caught by fishermen who like to use them as bait.