People are often curious about the unique terms used to describe groups of creatures, such as a “flock” of birds or a “pride” of lions. This practice of collective nomenclature extends to insects, though the naming conventions for smaller flying insects are often less standardized. When encountering the tiny, buzzing insects outdoors, the proper term for their dense aerial gatherings is often sought. The answer involves a blend of traditional collective nouns and descriptions of their distinctive behavior.
What a Group of Gnats is Called
The collective noun for a group of gnats is most commonly referred to as a cloud or a horde. These terms capture the visual effect of a large number of tiny insects congregating in the air, resembling a smoky, swirling mass. However, the most frequently used and practical term is a swarm of gnats, which reflects their most noticeable behavior. “Swarm” is widely accepted because the grouping is an active, dynamic aggregation rather than a static collection.
Other, less common descriptions include a “nuisance” or a “hover.” These terms attempt to capture the irritating quality or the specific flight pattern of the insects.
The Biological Reason Gnats Swarm
The formation of a gnat swarm is a specific biological mechanism designed for reproduction. These dense, hovering groups are typically composed entirely of male gnats performing a mating ritual. The purpose of this aerial aggregation is to increase the likelihood of attracting a female and successfully mating, a strategy known in some species as a lek.
Males gather above a specific visual marker that contrasts with the surrounding landscape, such as a fence post or a bush. This marker provides a stationary point of reference for the swarm to maintain its position, often appearing in sunlit areas or near dusk. Females fly into the swarm, select a mate, and copulation occurs in the air.
Since the adult phase of a gnat’s life is often very short, this swarming behavior is necessary for the species’ survival. The collective movement and noise also serve to make the group more visible and audible to females across a distance.
Defining the Term Gnat
The term “gnat” is not a formal scientific classification but rather a broad, non-specific name used for a diverse collection of tiny, flying insects. It generally refers to various small flies belonging to the insect suborder Nematocera, characterized by slender bodies and antennae with multiple segments.
This suborder includes a wide array of insects, such as fungus gnats, drain flies, and some biting midges, also known as “no-see-ums.” Entomologists recognize that the common use of the word is ambiguous and can apply to any small fly depending on the region. This loose definition means people may refer to different tiny insects as gnats, even if they belong to separate families.