Lake Weohyakapka (aka "Lake Walk-in-Water"). Idyllic? Yes, in principle. But it is also swarming with blind mosquitoes. Not just swarms, but mega-swarms of phenomenal numbers of blind mosquitoes. Located south of Tiger Lake and west of Lake Kissimmee, 10 miles east of Lake Wales, this 7,528-acre (11.7 miles², 30.5 km²) lake is one of Florida's best kept fishing secrets. The lake has been quietly and consistently churning out magnificent catches of largemouth bass, in large part due to the ample bass bait (blind mosquitoes and their larvae).
“Blind mosquitoes” is Southern slang referring to several species of
aquatic midges that are somewhat
mosquito-like in appearance, however
they lack scales on the wings and do not
bite, suck blood, or carry diseases. "Blood Worms" is another colloquial term for the larvae stage of midges. "Sand Flies" are midges too, but they are blood-suckers in the family Ceratopogonidae (biting midges). In Florida sand flies are often referred to as "no-see-ums." These insects are often confused and all are currently swarming. Strong southwesterlies are causing temperatures to soar and sending the swarms of insects toward east central Florida.
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Blind
mosquitoes are occurring in massive swarms and have become a nuisance very early due to extremely hot and dry conditions which have concentrated pollutants in waterways feeding the insects' explosive growth. Recently, unbelievable swarms of blind mosquitoes have
emerged from the St. Johns River and lakes all along the central peninsula of Florida from Okeechobee in the south to Orange Lake in the north.
Phillip on the shore of Lake Weohyakapka. While making this image I managed to get blind mosquitoes in my socks, shirt, shorts. . . mouth, ears. . .everywhere.
Blind mosquitoes are insects in
the family Chironomidae. They are often referred to
as aquatic midges since their immatures (larvae and
pupae) live in water. Their occurrence and survival in
certain polluted waters often indicates pollution of
aquatic habitats. They are important to man only
when they emerge in such large numbers that they become a nuisance and they are important to fishermen because they are food for all fish found in Florida lakes.
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Blind mosquitoes are one of the most common
and abundant organisms in natural and man-made
water systems. In Florida, the larvae are abundant in
small and large natural lakes, wastewater channels,
sewage oxidation and settling ponds, and
residential-recreational lakes.
Surveys of larval infestations in central Florida
has revealed larval populations of >4500 ft² on the
bottom of certain lakes. It is the midges emerging
from these breeding areas that cause a variety of
nuisance and economic problems.
The problem blind mosquitoes in Florida are,
Chironomus crassicaudatus, and Chironomus
decorus, Goeldichironomus holoprasinus as well as
certain species of Tanytarsus. These species usually
breed in polluted water 3-12 feet deep.
Aquatic midge has four stages in its life cycle. These stages are the egg, larvae, pupae, and
adult.
The eggs are laid in a mass on the surface of the water. Depending on the species, each mass may
contain from 10 to 3,000 eggs enclosed in a gelatinous substance. These egg masses may become
attached to twigs and other debris found along the shore of lakes, streams, or rivers. Those egg
masses not attached to objects will sink to the bottom where the eggs hatch into larvae in 2 to 7
days.
After hatching, the larvae feed on the gelatinous material for about 2 days and then leave the mass.
In Florida Bloodworms are generally smaller than the Glycera (genus) worm pictured above, but they function in more or less the same horrific fashion. Blind Mosquito larvae are bloodworms for a time and during that time they are catnip for bass.
On the second or third day after hatching, the
larvae leave the mass, burrow into the mud and, by using salivary secretions, bind small substrate particles into tubes
or tunnels in which they live. The tubes may also be composed of silk-like threads. Most larval tubes have an opening at each end to allow the larvae to
feed. Water is circulated within the tube by a rapid undulating motion in order to extract oxygen and
food.
They do kind of look like something a zombie would enjoy. Every so often you hear a story in the news where these guys have invaded some municipal water supply. Not surprising when you consider how many are in Florida's lakes. Anyway, they don't stay this way long. The entire lifespan of a Blind Mosquito is about 2 weeks, so from Bloodworm to Blind Mosquito to dead bug or fish food occurs over a very short period of time.
The larvae spend most of its time undulating rapidly within the tube to
circulate water. From the water the larvae extract
oxygen and food. The larvae feed on suspended
matter in the water and organic matter in the mud
After the first molt, the larvae of most aquatic midges take on a pink color that gradually darkens
into a deep red. These are sometimes referred to as "blood-worms." Depending on the water
temperature, the larval stage can last from less than 2 to 7 weeks.
Hiking the southwest side of Lake June-in-Winter (State Park) south of Sebring, also swarming with blind mosquitoes. Much larger (and shallower) Lake Istokpoga is nearby (to the east). It appeared that the 3,726 acre, 5.8 mile², 15 km² lake was down at least 5 vertical feet and the shoreline had receded many hundreds of feet from its normal elevation. Perfect conditions for blind mosquitoes to breed.
In general bloodworms are any type of larvae that can be found in rivers, lakes and ponds. They get their common name from their bright red color and are used all over the world as fish food or bait. In the wild, almost every fish species eats blood worms or other larvae, which means even the pickiest eaters should usually take the bait.
The larvae transform into pupae while still in the tubes and remain there for about 3 days. The
pupae then leave the tube and actively swim to the surface. A few hours later, the adult aquatic
midge emerges.
The emerging adults usually swarm at night to mate. They do not feed and, consequently, only live
for about 3 to 5 days. The entire life cycle of the aquatic midge is usually completed in 2 weeks.
However, it is not uncommon for the life cycle to take longer.
Lake Hatchineha in Osceola County south of Poinciana where blind mosquitoes are currently present in very large numbers.
Importance
The importance of blind mosquitoes as pests has
increased during the past 20-30 years due to creation of new midge producing habitats close
to residences (canals, retention ponds), deteriorating water quality which is more
suitable for breeding midges, and increasing desire of humans to live close to
lakes and rivers.
Residents close to blind mosquito breeding areas
experience severe nuisance and economic problems.
Blind mosquitoes can emerge in phenomenal
numbers between April and November. Often humans
have to cease outdoor activity since the adult midges
can be inhaled or fly into the mouth, eyes, or ears.
9,638 acre, 15.06 mile², 39 km² Lake Monroe is very shallow today as brutal hot temperatures and zero rainfall continue. Lake Monroe is bordered by one of the nation's busiest superhighways, I-4, to the north, Debary to the northeast, Deltona to the east, and Sanford to the west.
During hot, summer days, midges fly to cool
shady places. At night they are attracted to lights
around houses and businesses. When large numbers
are present, they stain paint, stucco and other wall
finishes. Automobiles become soiled, and headlights
and windshields get covered with dead midges.
The
bodies which are mashed to painted surfaces cause
permanent staining. Also, blind mosquitoes will fly
indoors as doors are opened and closed. Problems
indoors such as ruining laundry and staining indoor
walls, ceilings, draperies and other furnishings cause
severe annoyance for residents.
Blind mosquito Chronomus crassicaudatus
Where midges are prevalent, spider webs and
spiders abound. Accumulations of dead midges and
webs require residents to frequently wash and
maintain homes and businesses. The dead midges
have a smell similar to rotting fish as they decay. The
smell persists in damp weather, even after the insects
have been removed.
Blind mosquitoes are an important component of
the food chain in a lake. Fish utilize the larvae as food. Lakes where aquatic midges breed are often our
best fishing lakes.
We've Read:
Photographer Allison Stewart shoots the contents of people's "bug-out bags."
Photographer Allison Stewart has been documenting the contents of "bug-out bags," the stuff their owners deem necessary to deal with various types of emergencies. The Bags' contents project what people fear—war, martial law, natural disaster—and how they intend to cope. For some buggers its as simple as pills and a bottle of tequila; for others, a carefully planned pack of food and supplies to last a few days. They range from the off the shelf and Homeland Security kits to off-grid survivalist bags and pet emergency packs.
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