Culex stigmatosoma

Dyar, 1907

Banded Foul Water Mosquito

Culex stigmatosoma is a mosquito distributed across the southwestern United States and northern South America. Bloodmeal analysis from southern California reveals it feeds primarily on birds (71.3%) with opportunistic mammalian feeding (28.7%, including humans 1.4%). The species exhibits seasonal -shifting , increasing mammalian feeding in late summer and early fall. It is a confirmed of West Nile virus and considered a potential bridge vector between enzootic bird and humans.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Culex stigmatosoma: /ˈkjuː.lɛks ˌstɪɡ.mə.toʊˈsoʊ.mə/

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

Habitat

Southern California; urban and suburban environments. documented in southwestern USA with southward range extension to northern South America.

Distribution

Southwestern USA (Southern California, Oregon, Texas) with southward range extension to northern South America. Documented in multiple Texas counties based on corrected records from literature, curated specimens, and surveillance collections.

Diet

Blood meals from birds (71.3% of bloodmeals) and mammals (28.7%); identified 33 avian and 17 mammalian host species including humans (1.4% of bloodmeals).

Host Associations

birds - primary 71.3% of bloodmeals; 33 avian identified
mammals - secondary 28.7% of bloodmeals; 17 mammalian identified
humans - incidental 1.4% of bloodmeals

Behavior

Opportunistic -feeding with seasonal shifts in host use; increased mammalian feeding in late summer and early fall.

Ecological Role

Confirmed of West Nile virus. Potential bridge vector for West Nile virus transmission between enzootic bird and humans.

Human Relevance

Confirmed of West Nile virus. Bites humans (1.4% of bloodmeals in studied ), with increased human contact risk in late summer and early fall due to seasonal -shifting .

Similar Taxa

Culex thriambusOverlapping distribution in southwestern USA and Texas; both subject to similar distributional record corrections in Texas literature
Culex quinquefasciatusBoth are Culex of West Nile virus with potential for bridge vector between birds and mammals

More Details

Bloodmeal Analysis Details

Bloodmeal analysis conducted on 209 specimens collected May-October 2014-2015 in southern California; identification via ; some mammalian identifications to or level only.

Vector Competence Note

West Nile virus competence established in California studies; explicit lack of such studies for other parts of USA noted in distributional literature.