Do you know what a midge is? In case some don’t, it’s a disgusting little blood-sucking fly, sometimes known to campers as the evil “no-see-um”.  I was about to add a photo of a midge to this post, but then thought, why risk traumatizing my sensitive readers? So, if midges are so gross, why are they our friends? They’re our friends because of what they do to these lovelies:

Waitin' for my midge

Yes, those are the flowers of the beloved cocoa, and guess who services them pollination-wise? Our ugly little friend, the midge. Suddenly the song “Is She Really Going Out With Him” by Joe Jackson is running through my head for some reason.  That’s just how it is, right guys? But, without the despicable little midge (the exact type is Forcipomyiinae) the cacao flower would not get pollinated, no cacao pods would form; therefore no cocoa beans, no cocoa, no chocolate. The horror!

So next time one of those little bastards bites you, be sure to say, Thanks Midge!