Cricotopus sylvestris Paralauterborniella subcincta Paratanytarsus spp. Midges are the most common group of insects in rice fields. Over 30 species have been found in California rice fields but comparatively few species are identified with seed and seedling injury. They resemble very small mosquitoes but do not bite.
Females deposit their eggs in masses or strings, generally on open water.
The tubes are brown in color and have bits of debris, diatoms, and algae adhering to them. The larvae may be white, green, or reddish in color. Midge larvae feed on the emerging shoot, leaves, roots, or may hollow out the embryo and kill the plant. Once the seedling is several inches long, it can usually outgrow the feeding of midge larvae, even though irregular holes may be eaten in the leaf. Midge larvae may also feed on floating leaves, causing small holes that extend completely through the leaves.