Culicoides variipennis is a species of biting midge, commonly known as the "biting midge" or "no-see-um." These small insects are typically found in moist environments, such as marshes and near bodies of water. They are known for their painful bites, which can cause irritation in humans and animals. This species is also a significant vector for various diseases, including Bluetongue virus and African horse sickness. Their life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with adults emerging primarily during warm months. Control measures often focus on reducing standing water to limit their breeding.