Non biting Midges: Camoufladged insect with Funny Antennas won't bite but will fly in Swarms that will get into your Nose

Story

These little insects on my porch's screen have to be some of the smallest I have ever photographed. While their soldier like camouflaged bodies make them different from many insects, their plumose antennas(e) gave away at least their family in the insect world. They are midges, more specifically non biting midges. Midges are closely related to mosquitoes, but they don't have the means to bite (fortunate for me), nevertheless they fly in annoying swarms that inevitably lead some to enter your nose, mouth and ears when you cross their path. Midge in their larvae (and winged) state are an important source of food for fish, and of course, fisherman's best friend as a synthetic bate.

Date of sighting

22 Sep 2006

Location

Tampa, FL 33647
Non biting midge (Chironomus plumosus)

Species

Chironomus plumosus?