What happens when a midge bites?
Highland midges are most prolific during the months of June, July,August and sometimes September. They are most active at dawn and dusk. Biting begins at about 5 am, peaks at 7 am and falls to lower levels after 9 am. Peak activity in the evening can be anytime between 6 pm and 11 pm. Midges cluster near water and peat bogs and shrubs, away from direct sunlight and strong wind. They enjoy calm, damp, overcast days – even light rain. Shaded areas are preferred, such as the edges of forests and woods which shield them from wind and sunlight. Midge activity has been shown to increase in dim light but is suppressed by bright light. It is the pregnant female midge that bites in order to feed her developing fertilised eggs. As with other blood-sucking insects, the female midge has a well-developed, specialised mouth that allows her to pierce the skin of the victim with a pair of finely-toothed elongated mandibles. Blood is then sucked up by mouth parts that are rolled up into a tube shape. I
