The term "nymph," in entomology, refers to an immature insect that molts through several instars (stages) before emerging as an adult. The first stage of metamorphosis within these insects is called an egg; upon hatching from this egg, the life stage that follows would be classified as a nymph even if it was previously known as something else entirely.
Midge Nymphs are the immature developmental stage of a Midge or several members of the Chironomidae family. The nymphs are aquatic by nature and live in freshwater, molting up to 14 times before they reach adulthood.
There are several different families of midges, all of which have nymphs that closely resemble one another. This is because there is a high degree of convergence between the evolution and development of insects in these different families. In this article, we'll discuss the life cycle of midges, their appearance, and what these insects are all about.
The Life Cycle of Midges
Midges are one of the most common and prolific insects in freshwater and saltwater. The midge adults look like tiny gnats, but they don't behave much like flies. They're usually found near the water, which means their larvae live there too.
Midge larvae are tiny worms with segmented bodies that are frequently red as a result of their diet. A black beauty, for example, is an exact replica of your classic midge nymph design. Midge larvae are the typical "nymph" form of a midge and are fished subsea throughout the water column.
Since adult midges are so small, it can be tricky to identify them by size. However, many species have distinctive patterns that can help you distinguish between them.
Midge larvae, on the other hand, are much easier to identify. They can be found in almost any freshwater environment; they're especially common in rivers and lakes. You won't find them crawling around on land very often, but you might notice their empty exoskeletons when you pull up your fishing line.
There's a lot of different species of midges, so it helps to get familiar with them to know what you have. Here is a quick guide for identifying midges:
Appearance of Midges
Adult midges may only grow 6 millimeters long, but there's no shortage of variety within this species. Colors vary widely between species, and some have different markings or distinctive body types that help them stand out from one another.
The larvae of midges are even more diverse than their adult counterparts. However, most midge larvae share a few characteristics:
- Midge nymphs are often red because they feed primarily on algae and other plant life.
- However, some species eat detritus or other aquatic invertebrates, which changes their appearance significantly.
- Some midge larvae have tails while others don't; there's no standard among the different species of midges when it comes to this feature or any other characteristic.
Midge - Nymph Stage
In its Nymph stage, the Midge typically has wormlike movements, which occur by contracting its body. This is what gives it the characteristic look of a worm moving through the water. This movement helps it hide from prey and helps move up to take better advantage of currents for faster movement. Some characteristics of Midge Nymphs include:
- The Midge Nymph has no noticeable front legs and will typically be the smallest insect you'll come across.
- The majority of midge larvae are brown, gray, or black in color.
- The average length of a midge larva is 3 to 10 millimeters—about the size of a size 16 to 22 long-shank hook.
Midge Nymphs are a popular food source for fish and an essential part of the aquatic food chain in ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. Midge larvae tend to thrive when the water reaches a temperature range between 45 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in colder waters if they're in a shock-resistant stage.
From fertilization to emergence, midges have about two months before they hatch from their eggs. In warmer climates with little winter freeze, midge larvae may not go through typical "resting" stages found in other insects during the winter months when life slows down; this allows them to hatch all year long.
During hatching, midge larvae break out of their eggs and swim to the top of the water. They then molt into pupae, where they will begin to form adult wings and legs before actually emerging as an adult midge. The length of time spent in the pupa depends on factors like temperature and available resources.
It can hatch within 48 hours or take up to six days depending on environmental conditions. After hatching from its egg, the larva molts one more time before entering a resting stage known as pre-emergence. During this period, it will swim toward the bottom of the body of water it inhabits until it is ready to emerge as an adult midge.
Midge - Emerger Stage
The Midge in its emerger stage looks identical to a midge nymph, but you will notice a small bubble or husk on the underside. This bubble is a new air bubble that has been trapped on the insect's back. This happens because the Midge emerges underwater, and the surface tension of the water creates this upper layer.
The emergent form of the midge patterns is midge pupa. The air bubble they use to emerge and the U-shape they frequently make while just below the water's surface are the main distinctions between a midge larva/nymph and a midge pupa. Because of the flash of the bead, many midge patterns with beadheads appear to be pupae.
When fishing with Midge Emerger, you'll find they are one of the most successful flies you can use as they will imitate any other insect or bug trying to emerge from its nymph shell. What makes them so successful is their ability to float high in the water column. They also behave very similarly to an adult midge.
Midges are very active underwater, so it's important to use the right fly pattern for your conditions. Midge larvae are usually bottom feeders, so you should fish your flies around the bottom of the water column. Adult midges tend to rise up towards the surface for air, so try fishing them near where they tend to float up.
Midge - Adult/Dry Stage
The Adult stage is a non-feeding time for the midge as it prepares to enter the water to spawn. Midge adults have long back legs and elongated bodies for swimming. They hold their wings vertically with the leading edge close to their abdomen, making them very aerodynamic swimmers. The wings of a resting adult midge are often held together above its body with a light surface tension from surface moisture.
The last stage of midges that fly fishermen are interested in is Midge Dries or Adults. They're fished with a dry fly imitation. Midge adults are tiny and hard to catch. They appear to be mosquitos on the water, and some of your best chances of imitating them are to utilize a cluster pattern like a Griffiths gnat. When midges get together, they form a group on and above the water known as a cluster.
A cluster of midges is a delicious meal for a trout, and the effort of a rise is worthwhile, whereas a solitary midge adult isn't always appealing to trout. When fly fishing with midge dry fly patterns, this isn't typically the case.
What Is the Difference Between a Midge and a Nymph?
The word "midge" has a specific species of insect as its meaning in fly fishing. The term "nymph" refers to the many species of aquatic insects, such as midges, that go through several life phases. For example, you could be using a "midge nymph" fly.
Is a Zebra Midge a Nymph?
Midge larvae are tiny (usually hook size 18-22). They resemble tiny worms and come in various hues, including black, olive, and red. In lakes, midges may be caught in the deep by using an indicator. Stripping them from the water is another way to remove them.
The Zebra Midge is a nymph that mimics midge pupae and/or emerging midges. Here's where you can start looking for them. There's just one trick to catching them: Use a size 16-24 shrimp/scud hook wrapped in colored thread and a copper or silver fine wire with a 2 or 3mm tungsten bead head of matching metallic finish.
What Kind of Fly Is a Midge?
Midges are most commonly used as trout food, but they can also be a nuisance to anglers. It is best to use the pupa or emerger stage of this insect with nymph or emerger pattern.
Midges are a type of tiny, non-mosquito fly. To be more specific, midges belong to the family Chironomidae (midges) in the order Diptera (flies). There are two primary species: Chironomidae and Chaoboridae.
Midges are very active underwater, so it's important to use the right fly pattern for your conditions. Midge larvae are usually bottom feeders, so you should fish your flies around the bottom of the water column. Adult midges tend to rise up towards the surface for air, so try fishing them near where they tend to float up.
Is a Midge a Dry Fly?
Midges in their adult cycle are fished with a dry fly imitation. They appear to be mosquitos on the water, and Griffiths gnat clusters are one of your greatest bets for imitating them.
Midge Nymphs are generally considered wet flies in the traditional sense. Any fly fished beneath the water's surface is referred to as a nymph. Insect Nymphs are designed to mimic the egg, larval, and pupal life cycles of insects.
The black midge is very apparent due to the light-colored wing post. The "trailing shuck" of this dry fly midge design resembles the exoskeleton of an emerged nymph. Dry flies are lighter hooks and collars. They're more than likely dry flies if they're constructed of elk hair or have a more rigid composition. If they're made of foam, they'll float.
What Does a Midge Nymph Look Like?
Midges come in a variety of hues, including black, olive, and red. They are usually found near the bottom of lakes and slow-moving rivers. They can be found in deeper waters using an indicator (like a dry fly) and can even be stripped from the water.
Midge larvae resemble tiny worms. The following characteristics identify them: a slender, slightly curved, uniform abdomen with visible segmentation and a pair of prolegs, and a small head that is easy to duplicate with a few wraps of tying thread.
What Time of Day Do Midges Hatch?
Midges are available in various colors, tints, and hues. Midge larvae can be anything from olive green to black or even red. There are also adult midges that resemble mosquitoes.
Midge nymphs emerge during the hottest hours of the day, generally between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when virtually every fish in the river comes to the surface. This hatch alone might make winter fly fishing worthwhile.
Nymphs are the immature developmental stage of a Midge or several members of the Chironomidae family. They are aquatic by nature and live in freshwater, molting up to 14 times before they reach adulthood.
Nymphs are the first stage of metamorphosis within insects, and they can only be classified as such if it molts through several instars (stages) before emerging as an adult. The first stage of this process is called an egg; upon hatching from this egg, the life stage that follows would then be classified as a nymph.
About the Author
Matthew Bernhardt, a third-generation Coloradan, grew up at the forefront of the state’s fly-fishing revolution, enjoying time on the water, side by side with experienced guides and lifelong anglers.
By combining his passion for fly-fishing with input from other experienced fly-fishers and guides and his fine arts degree from Colorado State University, Matthew spent five years carefully developing the Drifthook Fly Fishing System, built to help every angler catch more trout.
