This is one of those posts where I’m not entirely sure of my identification, and precise identification to species requires microscopic examination, but I think I’ve got the right family, which is the Chironomidae or non-biting midges. So, if you think I’m wrong, please do let me know.

During recent walks, especially those around Cardiff Bay, I’ve been very aware of large clouds of these small flying insects. Indeed, there have been times when I’ve had to remember not to let my mouth gape open in delight or surprise for fear of swallowing one or two. The swallowing is okay if you’re a bird, of course – judging by the numbers of gulls grabbing these creatures in the air or from the surface of the water, the midges must be quite tasty and nutritious, but I doubt I will ever embrace the sometimes-fashionable idea of humans including insects in their diets. One thing that I am particularly grateful for is the fact that these midges are non-biting. I am particularly susceptible to insect bites so if these were biting midges, they would make my daily walks an absolute misery.