Other Common Names
In Florida it is known as the "Glades Mosquito".
Identification
Adult: Medium-sized, dark brown or dull black in color. Proboscis dark on apical quarter, remainder yellowish, although dark scales present at base. Femora with narrow subapical pale ring, tibiae liberally sprinkled with white scales, 1st tarsomere with median stripe, and all tarsomeres with basal white stripes. Wing veins with dark and pale scales intermixed.
Larva: Antenna much shorter than head, Setae 5-C and 6-C with four or more branches, base in a straight line to 7-C, siphon moderately inflated (bulbous) medially, 3-6 widely spaced pecten teeth, Seta 1-S as long as apical width of siphon.
Range
California and Mexico east to New York and Florida.
Habitat
Larvae in temporary and permanent pools, with grassy or wooded margins, often abundant in rice fields.
Food
Larvae: Filter feeders
Adults: Males and females feed on nectar, females said to seek bloodmeals from any warm-blooded host, especially cattle.
Life Cycle
Multivoltine in parts of their range, depending on rainfall. Overwinters as diapausing egg. Eggs can withstand desiccation. Differing accounts say that oviposition occurs on rank vegetation surrounding pools, or on bare mud.
Remarks
*Information on this page provided by Sean McCann.
See Also
Psorophora pygmaea, hindtarsomere 1 dark-scaled except for narrow basal pale ring.
Psorophora discolor, hindtarsomere 1 largely pale-scaled, dark and light wing scales in definite pattern.
Internet References
Virgina Mosqutio Control ID guide and other information.
