gnats or mozzies?

[curlyfilm]

when i was a kid i was bitten by gnats, as i was told, now i'm told i'm bitten by mozzies, i know i had bigger bites as a kid
now i know the two species are related, but what are we more commenly bitten by here in the uk

[Miketiger42]

Midges and gnats are common names for a large number of small, non-biting flies. Many species look like mosquitoes and may form annoying swarms or clouds in the air but they do not bite. The immature stages develop in water in pools, containers, ponds, clogged rain gutters, or in some cases, wet soil or seepage areas. Most feed on living or decaying plant matter and are an important part of aquatic food chains. Many species can survive in very stagnant or polluted water.

Large mating swarms of adults often appear about dusk and may occur for several days, especially after a prolonged wet period. Many gnats are attracted to light and may be a nuisance, landing on people or entering homes or businesses. These tiny flies do not feed. They only live long enough to mate, lay eggs, and die.

The mosquito (colloquially referred to as "mozzies" )Mosquitoes are principally nectar feeders with only the females requiring a meal of blood.
So these are most likely insects that you are being bitten by

[Miketiger42]

Midges and gnats are common names for a large number of small, non-biting flies. Many species look like mosquitoes and may form annoying swarms or clouds in the air but they do not bite. The immature stages develop in water in pools, containers, ponds, clogged rain gutters, or in some cases, wet soil or seepage areas. Most feed on living or decaying plant matter and are an important part of aquatic food chains. Many species can survive in very stagnant or polluted water.

Large mating swarms of adults often appear about dusk and may occur for several days, especially after a prolonged wet period. Many gnats are attracted to light and may be a nuisance, landing on people or entering homes or businesses. These tiny flies do not feed. They only live long enough to mate, lay eggs, and die.

The mosquito (colloquially referred to as "mozzies" )Mosquitoes are principally nectar feeders with only the females requiring a meal of blood.
So these are most likely the insects that you are being bitten by.