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Cearbhaill Russell, KY(Zone 6b) Aug 20, 2008

No photo, sorry. Just a description of what I find to be an odd behavior.

They swarm in little vortexes, midair. A group of perhaps 50 of them swirl midair in a pattern every afternoon, and when one changes pattern they all do. The groups are approximately two feet in height, one foot wide, and are about three feet off the ground. When I see one grouping I usually see several all just dancing in the sunlight. They disperse in the evening and then bite me. It itches terribly :)

I am not as interested in the taxonomy of the little buggers as I am the purpose of the behavior. Does it even serve one?

I apologize if my description/request is not in keeping with the intention of the insect ID forum. But I know of no one else to ask and they fascinate me!
Eastern Kentucky zone 6B.

Post #5442882
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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Aug 21, 2008

There are several species in this family (Ceratopogonidae) that form mating swarms whereby large numbers of males congregate about a terrain feature of some kind, and mate with females that fly into the swarm. After mating, they disperse.

Post #5443872
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