Investigating the habitat and ecological role of Culicoides midges

Culicoides biting midges act as vectors for livestock and human diseases, and are widespread and abundant across much of the world. In northern Europe, some species of Culicoides transmit the livestock viruses bluetongue and Schmallenberg.

Control options for these diseases include reducing vector populations, for example by removing preferred breeding habitats on farms or adult resting areas.

However, there is currently little data available to inform these strategies on the immature stages of Culicoides midges, their breeding habitats, their ecological role in nature as adults and larvae, and the habitats and microhabitats that they use.