Psorophora columbiae

(Dyar & Knab, 1906)

dark ricefield mosquito, glades mosquito

Psorophora columbiae is a large, aggressive mosquito native to North America, commonly known as the dark ricefield mosquito or glades mosquito. It is notorious for its capacity for massive explosions following hurricane and flooding events, which have resulted in documented livestock fatalities through exsanguination. The species is a significant pest of mammals, including cattle, horses, sheep, and deer, and is considered difficult to repel with standard insect repellents.

Psorophora columbiae P1330296a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Psorophora columbiae P1330294a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Bulletin (1921) (20426048585) by New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Used under a No restrictions license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Psorophora columbiae: //sɔːˈrɒfərə kəˈlʌmbiˌiː//

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

Identification

Large-bodied mosquito; specific diagnostic features not detailed in available sources. Distinguished from by association with ricefield and glade , though this requires confirmation with morphological keys.

Images

Habitat

Associated with rice fields and glade wetlands; thrives in temporary floodwater . explode following hurricanes and tropical depressions that create extensive shallow standing water.

Distribution

North America, primarily southern United States including Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas; also recorded in Caribbean and Middle America.

Diet

Females blood-feed on mammals; specific dietary breadth not documented.

Host Associations

deer - documented fatalities from massive attacks
cattle (beef cattle) - documented fatalities from massive attacks
sheep - documented fatalities from massive attacks
horses - documented fatalities from massive attacks

Behavior

Exhibits aggressive swarming with capacity for massive attacks on livestock. densities can reach levels causing fatal exsanguination in mammals. Documented to form overwhelming following hurricane flooding events.

Human Relevance

Major veterinary and agricultural pest; responsible for documented mass livestock fatalities. 30% or higher concentration of lemon eucalyptus has been identified as an effective repellent, suggesting this is particularly difficult to repel with standard measures.

Similar Taxa

Psorophora feroxBoth are large floodplain-associated Psorophora with aggressive biting ; P. ferox has expanded range northward in recent years and dominates post-flood mosquito collections in northeastern North America
Psorophora ciliataBoth are large predatory Psorophora ; P. ciliata ('gallinipper') is distinguished by even larger size and more painful bite, with recent range expansion into New England documented