However, despite their size, they can be painful biters and highly annoying. Two common biting midges that cause problems in Colorado are Leptoconops species and Culicoides species. Each has different habits. Leptoncocops Midges Within Colorado, problems with Leptoconops midges are restricted to the West Slope. Historically, areas around the Colorado National Monument have reported problems most frequently.
Adults bite during the day, particularly during midmorning and near dusk.
Although peak biting usually occurs during a single period of the year, it typically lasts about two to three weeks, during which time outdoor activities can be greatly curtailed. Biting may also be more severe in years following periods of drought. Biting midge, greatly enlarged. Although the exact habitats where Leptoconops midges breed are unknown, it is suspected that they develop in seepage areas of crevices along canyon washes. Emergence of the adult Insects usually follows late spring or early summer rains.