Identification
Adult female: Scutum with middorsal acrostichal setae, occiput with narrow apressed scales, Abdominal tergites II-VII with apical bands or patches of whitish scales, extending basally across 1/2 of tergum on lateral sides of terga IV-VI, palpi 2 times length of flagellomere 4, wing cell R2 3.0 times length of vein R2+3.
Range
Most of North America, except Arizona, New Mexico, Newfoundland
Habitat
Vegetation choked marshes, ditches, containers. Seems to be associated with Duckweed (Lemna spp.)
Food
Hosts are usually ectotherms (cold-blooded), amphibians reptiles etc. Conflicting reports describe mammalian feeding.
Life Cycle
Females overwinter as mated adults, emerging in spring to bloodfeed.
Remarks
Has been found infected with West Nile Virus, but it is unknown whether it plays a role in natural transmission cycles.
