Midges or Gnats are often seen beside streams in the evenings - swarms of mosquito-like flies attracted to lights.

The larval forms are aquatic, attaching themselves to the river bottom or in burrows. They come in a striking range of colours, the most prominent known as bloodworms because of the red pigment in their 'blood'. Most are herbivorous.

The pupal stage may be active or fastened to river bottom materials. They rise to the surface and the adults emerge.