Ochlerotatus scapularis

(Rondani, 1848)

Aedes scapularis

Ochlerotatus scapularis is a neotropical mosquito with expanding distribution, now established in mainland Florida after first in the Florida in 1945. The species exhibits strong feeding , with documented human blood meals comprising 83% of engorged females. It is known to transmit multiple of medical and veterinary importance, including virus, virus, and Dirofilaria immitis. Recent modeling predicts potential for further northward expansion along the US Gulf Coast.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ochlerotatus scapularis: /ɔk.lɛ.roʊˈteɪ.təs skæpˈju.lər.ɪs/

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

Identification

Morphological identification relies on standard for the Ochlerotatus Group; of the c oxidase subunit I gene has been used to confirm identity and distinguish from related including Ochlerotatus condolescens, Ochlerotatus infirmatus, Ochlerotatus thelcter, Ochlerotatus tortilis, and Ochlerotatus trivittatus. Genetic analysis reveals low divergence between O. scapularis and related Ochlerotatus Group species.

Habitat

use spanning and human-dominated environments at low and middle elevations. develop in temporary pools filled by rainfall or overflowing waterways. Increasingly with documented presence in urban parks, domestic environments, and human-modified landscapes.

Distribution

range extends from southern Texas through Central America and South America to Argentina, with center of origin in Belém do Pará, Brazil, and presence on multiple Caribbean Islands. First detected in Florida in 1945 (Middle Florida , Monroe County); established in mainland Florida in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties since 2016-2019. modeling predicts suitable across portions of the Amazon Basin, Yucatán Peninsula, Florida Peninsula, and multiple Caribbean Islands, with potential connectivity along the US Gulf Coast facilitating northward expansion. At least sixteen Florida counties predicted to be highly suitable.

Diet

; opportunistic feeding on with strong preference for mammals. : 83% of engorged females contain human blood. Requires multiple blood meals per gonotrophic cycle, increasing host contact frequency.

Host Associations

humans - primary blood meal source83% of engorged females contain human blood; frequent -seeking and blood-feeding indoors
non-human primates - blood meal sourceimplicated in transmission cycle
mammals - general blood meal sourceopportunistic feeding on

Life Cycle

Approximately 26 days under laboratory conditions. Requires multiple blood meals to complete gonotrophic cycle. Larval development occurs in temporary pools.

Behavior

include readily entering buildings and -seeking and blood-feeding indoors. Mark-recapture studies indicate females can disperse up to 4.1 km. Exhibits plasticity in use, facilitating bridge potential between and urban environments.

Ecological Role

in virus transmission cycle; implicated in 2017 Brazil . Potential bridge between sylvatic and urban environments due to wide breadth, frequent human host use, and plasticity. Naturally infected with yellow fever virus, Melao virus, Ilheus virus, virus, virus, and Dirofilaria immitis.

Human Relevance

of multiple human including virus, virus, and virus. Established in densely populated urban areas of southeastern Florida with potential for transmission to human . High anthropophily and indoor feeding increase human exposure risk. Public health and vector control vigilance recommended given predicted expansion potential.

Similar Taxa

Ochlerotatus condolescensLow genetic divergence in c oxidase subunit I gene; may be based on genetic analysis
Ochlerotatus tortilisLow genetic divergence in c oxidase subunit I gene and internal transcribed spacer 2 gene; individuals identified as separate may belong to same species
Ochlerotatus infirmatusMember of Ochlerotatus Group; distinguished through morphological and
Ochlerotatus thelcterMember of Ochlerotatus Group; distinguished through morphological and
Ochlerotatus trivittatusMember of Ochlerotatus Group; distinguished through morphological and

More Details

Taxonomic note

has been classified under both Aedes (Ochlerotatus) scapularis and Ochlerotatus scapularis. GBIF lists Ochlerotatus scapularis as a synonym of Aedes scapularis; NCBI recognizes Ochlerotatus scapularis as the valid name.

Invasive status

Of Florida's 16 established non- mosquitoes, 13 were first detected since 1985 and 10 since 2000. O. scapularis establishment in Florida may reflect broader trends in climate, trade, and human movement promoting non-native mosquito establishment.

Research needs

Follow-up research questions include geographic distribution expansion in Florida, associations within range, and specific for local transmission.