Size
Adult: Large mosquito! Winglength 6-6.5 mm, variable.
Identification
Adult: Very large mosquito, integument yellowish-brown, apices of tibiae and femora and some tarsomeres with broad, erect, black scales. Scutum with median stripe of golden-yellow scales, submedian stripe bare and shining.
Larva: to 10mm in length, antenna less than ½ as long as head, labral brushes widely separated, pecten teeth with hair-like apex.
Range
Central and Eastern North America, South to Argentina.
Habitat
Larvae in temporary and permanent pools, with grassy or wooded margins, in association with other mosquito species.
Food
Larvae: 2nd to 4th instar larvae predaceous on other mosquito larvae and aquatic invertebrates. First instar is typical filter-feeder. The larva is an active predator, chasing its prey. This is in contrast to Toxorhynchites larvae, which are ambush predators.
Adults: Males and females feed on nectar, females said to seek bloodmeals from large mammals. Females bloodfeed day and night and are able to bite through heavy clothing.
Life Cycle
Multivoltine in parts of their range, depending on rainfall. Overwinters as diapausing egg. Eggs can withstand desiccation.
Remarks
* The information on this page was provided by Sean McCann.
See Also
Psorophora howardii, lacks median golden-yellow stripe.
Other Psorophora species lack erect scales on legs and are usually much smaller.
Toxorhynchites rutilis has curved proboscis and shining metallic scales.
Contributed by
Lynette Schimming on 22 September, 2005 - 1:49pm
Additional contributions by
smccann27Last updated 25 July, 2006 - 11:54am
