Numbers
3 species in North America, Orthopodomyia alba Baker 1936 (Orthopodomyia)
Orthopodomyia kummi Edwards 1939 (Orthopodomyia)
Orthopodomyia signiferus Coquillett 1896 (Culex)
Identification
Larvae
- Siphon without pecten, single seta 1-S on each side
- saddle completely encircles segment X,
- anal papillae unequal with length of dorsal pair>ventral pair
- Head and body setae strongly branched
Adult
- female with short palpi, male palpi as long as proboscis
- Vertex with erect forked scales
- Scutal setae very abundant and long
- Pre and postspiracular setae absent.
Range
Mostly Oriental and Neotropical, few Holarctic species. Not present in Africa or Australia, but found in Madagascar and Mauritius.
Habitat
Almost always found in treeholes, cavities in bamboo, bromeliad tanks and other container habitats.
Food
Males and females feed on plant juices and nectar, honeydew etc. Females require a bloodmeal to develop eggs, presumed to be bird-feeders.
Life Cycle
Eggs laid singly in treeholes or other containers on sides or water’s surface. Overwinters in larval stage, some species may be freeze tolerant[cite: 38797]. Multivoltine in parts of their range, adults are presumed to feed on birds.
Remarks
*Information on the page provided by Sean McCann.
Contributed by
Lynette Schimming on 7 December, 2005 - 12:11pm
Additional contributions by
Omar FahmyLast updated 23 April, 2007 - 9:05am
