Numbers
30 species in North America (
nearctica.com)
Identification
Adult:
- Tip of abdomen blunt
- Lack pre and post-spiracular setae
Range
Occurs on every continent except Antarctica
Habitat
Larvae of various species develop in standing water of ponds and marshes, snowmelt pools, empty barrels, used tires, bird baths, tin cans etc. (specific larval habitat varies according to species)
Food
Adult females feed on plant juices, and usually require a blood meal from birds or mammals (hosts vary according to species) to allow egg development
adult males do not bite; they feed on plant juices
Life Cycle
Multiple generations per year; eggs are laid in "rafts" on surface of standing water; overwinters as a fertilized adult female in sheltered areas
Remarks
Some species are vectors of organisms that cause diseases such as West Nile Virus, EEE, and dog heartworm disease
Internet References
Culex pipiens complex - description, distribution, biology, disease transmission, etc. (Harry Savage and Barry Miller, American Mosquito Control Assoc., courtesy of Rutgers U.)
biology and disease transmission info (John Chambers, Columbus OH, cbwinfo.com)
