Identification
Larva:
Siphon with three or more long, single, irregularly placed setae. The antennae are uniform in shape.
Adult Female:
Scutum mostly golden brown and most easily recognized by a pair of pale spots. Abdominal terga have broad apical bands.
A comment by Omar on an image posted by me (Tony T) as a Culex restuans with reference to the pale spots generated this comment:
"I can see how those can be tricky
But the two spots are usually not a good way to differentiate a restuans because sometimes they are not present." My emphasis.
Note also that C. territans has similar pale spots on the thorax.
Thus it appears that pale thoracic spots are of only limited use in identifying a C. restuans.
Habitat
Larvae are found in natural and artificial containers. Larvae are also tolerant of polluted waters.
(1)Food
Females prefer the blood of birds.
Life Cycle
Adult females overwinter in well-protected areas. This is a multivoltine species.
Internet References
Virgina Mosquito Control ID guide and other information.
Contributed by
Omar Fahmy on 28 June, 2006 - 9:06pm
Additional contributions by
Tony-2,
Chuck EntzLast updated 21 November, 2010 - 1:45am
