Explanation of Names
Called An. quadrimaculatus because of the four (quad) dark spots of scales on each wing.
Identification
Larva:
- Siphon absent
- Head hairs 8 and 9 are usually with 8 to 10 branches
- Lateral setae on the 4th, 5th, and 6th segments are not plumose
Adult Female:
- Proboscis dark scaled
- Scutum is brown with fine yellowish setae
- Abdominal terga are tan to dark brown
- Apices of femur and tibia are pale
- Four distinct dark spots on the wings
Range
Mexico, eastern and central United States, north to southern Canada
Habitat
Larvae can be found in marshes, ponds, and margins of shallow streams.
Food
Females prefer mammals for blood meals.
Life Cycle
Adult females overwinter in abandoned buildings, caves, hollow trees or animal burrows. Multivoltine (multiple generations per year).
Remarks
This species is the primary vector of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, the causitve agents of malaria in North America. West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis have also been isolated from it. Transmission of St. Louis Encephalitis has been obtained with this species in laboratory experiments, and An. quadrimaculatus has also been found to be an excellent host for Dirofilaria immitis, the causitive agent of dog heartworm disease.
Internet References
detailed overview and comparison with related species (Claudia O'Malley, Rutgers University, New Jersey)
