Explanation of Names
Genus name from toxo Greek sharp (?), plus -rhyn Greek "snout". Species name rutilus is Latin for red with hints of yellow. Rutile is a titanium ore, and perhaps that is more the reference--the color of the mosquito is rather metallic. (Based on Internet searches.)
Size
Wingspan circa 12 mm, body length circa 7 mm
Identification
Very large, for a mosquito. Body is covered with shiny metallic blue scales. Proboscis prominent and curved upwards. Attracted to flowers.
Range
Southeastern United States
Habitat
Deciduous and other forests
Season
July-September, early October (North Carolina)
Life Cycle
Breed in tree holes and other water-filled cavities. Larvae predaceous on other mosquitos. Overwinter as late-instar larvae or as adult (southern part of range?). Has been reared for biological control.
Print References
Brimley, p. 322--Megarhinus septentrionalis
(1)
Arnett and Jacques, #312
(2)
Contributed by
Cotinis on 20 October, 2004 - 11:46pm
Last updated 9 February, 2005 - 6:50am
