Here are some insects you may encounter that are often mistaken for or misunderstood in relation to mosquitoes.

Midges

Midges (Chironomidae) are the most wide spread and numerous insects resembling mosquitoes.  Adult Midges are commonly observed flying in swarms or “clouds”, or are seen resting on fences, walls, under eaves and in protected areas such as porches and entryways. Individual adults will live about seven days depending upon the species and weather conditions. The larvae develop in sources having extensive areas of standing water.

Dixid Midges

Dixid Midges (Dixidae) are common around moist areas where vegetation is abundant and may be seen swarming at dusk along the edges of streams and lakes. The adults are short lived, usually being active less than a week. The larvae are found in slow moving water, at the surface, and swim in a characteristic “U” shape.

Crane Flies

Crane Flies (Tipulidae) are delicate insects varying in size from 1/4 inch to as large as 1 1/2 inches in length. The largest crane flies are sometimes called “daddy-long-legs”, “gully nippers”, or “mosquito hawks”. They do not bite people and they do not eat mosquitoes. Some species of crane flies emerge from aquatic sources and others from terrestrial or decaying vegetation sources.

Winter Crane Flies

Winter Crane Flies (Trichoceridae) are often quite abundant during winter and spring in Napa County. They so closely resemble mosquitoes that they are frequently mistaken for them and are reported to the District.  Their larvae are found in roots, fungi, decaying vegetation, rotting leaves, manure, and other vegetative material. The adults are readily attracted to lights.

Owl Midges

Owl Midges (Psychodidae) are small hairy flies that can move about very nimbly, but are weak fliers. The larvae are aquatic or semi aquatic and are very common in sewers and drains. The larvae are able to live in soapy water and are a good indicator of a leak in a shower/bath, sink, or laundry drain.

Wood Gnats

Wood Gnats (Anisopodidae) larvae are found in or near decaying vegetation, fermenting sap, animal manure, tree trunks, mud and sometimes sewage. Adults are found on foliage in or near damp places, and can be found near flowing sap. They are sometimes seen in small swarms.