Culicoides crepuscularis

Malloch, 1915

crepuscularis is a of biting midge in the Ceratopogonidae, first described by Malloch in 1915. The species has been documented as a natural for the filarial Chandlerella quiscali, demonstrating competence for transmission to birds. Its specific epithet 'crepuscularis' suggests (twilight) activity patterns, though this has not been explicitly confirmed in the available literature.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Culicoides crepuscularis: //ˌkjuːlɪˈkɔɪdiːz krɛˌpʌsˈkjʊlɑːrɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Diet

Blood-feeding; has been observed feeding on the common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) as part of its role in transmitting Chandlerella quiscali.

Host Associations

Chandlerella quiscali - Filarial ; C. crepuscularis serves as
Quiscalus quiscula - Common grackle; definitive for Chandlerella quiscali

Ecological Role

for filarial transmission to birds; specifically implicated in the transmission cycle of Chandlerella quiscali to common grackles.

More Details

Vector competence documentation

competence was confirmed through both field-collected specimens showing natural and laboratory transmission experiments.

Taxonomic note

Catalogue of Life lists this as a synonym, while GBIF and NCBI treat it as accepted; taxonomic status may require verification.