Ochlerotatus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Culicomorpha
Family: Culicidae
Tribe: Aedini
Genus: Ochlerotatus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ochlerotatus: //ˌɒkləroʊˈteɪtəs//

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Summary

Ochlerotatus is a genus of mosquitoes that was elevated from subgenus status of Aedes to genus level by Reinert in 2000, reflecting ongoing changes in the classification of Aedini mosquitoes.

Habitat

Ochlerotatus species are typically found in areas near standing water bodies where they lay eggs above the water rim.

Distribution

Represented throughout North America and the world.

Life Cycle

These mosquitoes overwinter as eggs.

Evolution

Ochlerotatus was originally established as a genus in 1891 and was later transferred to a subgenus of Aedes in 1917. It was restored to genus status by Reinert in 2000 based on characteristics in genitalia that warranted the distinction.

Similar Taxa

Aedes
Stegomyia

Misconceptions

There continues to be considerable opposition to the new classification of Ochlerotatus from some researchers and groups, leading to discrepancies in taxonomic references.