Identification
Larva: head hairs 5, 6, 7 are long, multibranched and plumose. Head hairs 8 and 9 usually with 5 to 7 branches. Lateral setae on abdominal segments IV-VI are not plumose.
Adult Female: wing pattern is all you need for identification. Very distinctive wings with predominantly dark scales and cream colored scales in the costal and subcostal areas (see
photo).
Range
most of United States plus parts of southern Canada
Habitat
Larvae are usually found in semi-permanent and permanent ponds, rock pools, and margins of slow moving streams.
(1)Food
Females prefer mammals and birds for blood meals.
Life Cycle
Adult females overwinter in abandoned buildings, cellars, caves, hollow trees, and similar habitats. This is a multivoltine species (multiple generations per year).
Internet References
photo of distinctive wing pattern (Michael Hildreth, South Dakota State U.)
North American distribution map and other info (impact-malaria.com)
larva photos indicating distinctive features (Michael Hildreth, South Dakota State U.)
adult photo and drawing plus description and other info (Virginia Mosquito Control Association)
Contributed by
Omar Fahmy on 4 July, 2006 - 12:57pm
Additional contributions by
Robin McLeodLast updated 7 October, 2006 - 8:45pm
