Ceratopogonidae (Bitting Midges, Purrujas)

Abstract

There are aproximately 400 species of Ceratopogonidae recorded from Central America and tropical Mexico (including some which are known only north and south of the region and therefore assumed to occur there) but there are many more awaiting description, especially in the genera Forcipomyia, Atrichopogon, Dasyhelea, Culicoides and Stilobezzia. Species of the family may be found at all altitudes and in virtually every habitat where there is even a little moisture. The following key includes genera either known from or suspected of being in Central America and tropical Mexico and, for the first time for any region, includes males of all genera. This key is intended to work for both alcohol and slide mounted material.