All of the bugs that come out in spring in North Carolina, from midges to blue quills

As spring approaches in North Carolina, you can expect to see various insects becoming more active, with eggs starting to hatch in January and becoming visibly noticeable this month as temperatures rise.

The five main flies that emerge during this time are midges, blue-winged olives, early black stone flies, blue quills and quill Gordons, according to data from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Although generally harmless to humans, these airborne insects can be a nuisance for people enjoying the outdoors. It's important to note the crucial role these bugs play in the ecosystem and how they contribute to the balance of various ecological processes. Distinguishing one insect from another can help you understand their significance and alleviate frustrations in the springtime.

Bugs in March in North Carolina

Midges

A midge is a small, delicate and often fragile flying insect that belongs to the order diptera, which is a family of insects commonly referred to as true flies. They are commonly found around freshwater environments with damp soils and decaying organic matter, sometimes even forming large swarms.

Blue-winged olive

The blue-winged olive refers to a group of mayflies that belong to the order Ephemeroptera. They are aquatic insects and popular among fly fisherman, as their fly patterns during hatching can attract fish. They are commonly found in freshwater environments, rivers and streams.

Early black stone fly

These insects are small, aquatic stone flies and belong to the order Plecoptera. They are often dark or black and their presence in freshwater environments suggests clean and well-oxygenated water.

Blue quill

The blue quill is a delicate, slender bug with shades of blue, olive or gray that typically has transparent wings. They belong to the order Ephemeroptera, making them mayflies, and can be found in rivers, streams and freshwater environments.

Quill Gordon

These insects hold significance in the world of fly fishing for its distinctive appearance. They have slender bodies, and delicate wings and range from dark olive to brownish gray with unique markings. The Quill Gordon belongs to the order Ephemeroptera and as a mayfly species, they inhabit freshwater environments.

With new blossoms comes new bugs and North Carolinians can expect to see increasing insect activity this month as springtime arrives.

Reporter Lizmary Evans covers growth and development for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her at LEvans@gannett.com