Other Common Names
Woodland Malaria Mosquito
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Orig. Comb: Culex punctipennis Say 1823
Numbers
17 spp. of Anopheles n. of Mex.
Identification
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,
drawing).
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.
Habitat
Adult females overwinter in abandoned buildings, cellars, caves, hollow trees, and similar habitats.
Larvae are usually found in semi-permanent and permanent ponds, margins of slow moving streams, rain-water barrels and other artificial containers.
(1)Season
Adults: All year, but reach their greatest abundance in early Spring and late Fall
Larvae: May - September
Food
Females prefer mammals and birds for blood meals.
Life Cycle
This is a multivoltine species (multiple generations per year).
Remarks
They can be infected with malaria in the laboratory.
Listed by the CDC as producing WNV positivesInternet References
photo of distinctive wing pattern (Michael Hildreth, South Dakota State U.)
larva photos indicating distinctive features (Michael Hildreth, South Dakota State U.)
adult photo and drawing plus description and other info (Virginia Mosquito Control Association)
