Culiseta incidens

(Thomson, 1869)

Cool Weather Mosquito, Cold Weather Mosquito

Culiseta incidens, commonly known as the cool weather mosquito, is a of mosquito in the Culicidae. It is notable for its activity during cooler periods, distinguishing it from many warm-weather mosquito species. The species has been documented as a for the microsporidian Amblyospora campbelli, which exhibits a complex two-host involving an obligatory intermediate copepod host. Research has demonstrated that larvae and pupae of this species exhibit in spontaneous locomotor activity, with peak activity occurring during the light phase.

Culiseta incidens by (c) Toby, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Toby. Used under a CC-BY license.

Culiseta incidens by iNaturalist user: giantcicada. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Culiseta incidens: //ˌkjuːlɪˈsiːtə ɪnˈsaɪdɛnz//

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Culiseta and similar mosquitoes by its association with cool weather activity patterns. Specific morphological diagnostic features for field identification are not documented in available sources.

Images

Distribution

Western coast of North America from the Alaskan panhandle to the Mexican border; eastern range extends from Saskatchewan to northwestern Texas. Specimens have been collected in Southern California.

Seasonality

Active during cooler weather periods, as indicated by "Cool Weather Mosquito" or "Cold Weather Mosquito"; specific seasonal timing not documented beyond this general pattern.

Host Associations

Amblyospora campbelli - Microsporidian with dimorphic spore development; requires Culiseta incidens as mosquito and an obligatory intermediate copepod host for complete

Life Cycle

Complete with aquatic , larva, and pupa stages typical of Culicidae. Larvae and pupae exhibit in spontaneous locomotor activity. Specific details of egg-laying , larval development duration, and timing not documented for this .

Behavior

Larvae and pupae display in spontaneous locomotor activity with peak activity in the light phase under 12:12 conditions; rhythm persists in constant darkness with free-running periods of 23.5–24 hours. Amplitude of pupal rhythm increases progressively as advances.