Coquillettidia perturbans

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Culicomorpha
Family: Culicidae
Tribe: Mansoniini
Genus: Coquillettidia
Species: perturbans

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coquillettidia perturbans: //koʊˌkwɪləˈtiːdiə pərˈtɜːrbænz//

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

Images

Summary

Coquillettidia perturbans is a mosquito species known for its distinctive banded legs and ability to thrive in swampy habitats. It is primarily a vector for serious diseases, impacting both human and animal health. This species exhibits unique adaptations in its larval stage, allowing it to remain submerged while breathing through plant tissue.

Physical Characteristics

Coquillettidia perturbans ranges from 2.0 mm to 10.0–15.0 mm in length. Notable features include a dark-skewed coloration and light bands on the legs, a median white scale band on a dark-scaled proboscis, and a mainly golden brown scutum. The first tarsal segment of each leg shows a median band, while other segments exhibit broad pale basal bands. Wings have a mix of pale and dark scales, and the head is smaller and the thorax wedge-shaped.

Identification Tips

Banded legs and a wide pale band at the base of the proboscis are distinctive. Adults have a dark-scaled abdomen, while the wings have a mix of pale and dark scales.

Habitat

Prefer low elevation, high vegetation areas with warm summers and high humidity; commonly found in marshes or swamps with cattails (Typha latifolia) and Juncus sp.

Distribution

Found throughout the United States, primarily southern regions, as well as in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe.

Diet

Females feed on the blood of birds and mammals including humans.

Life Cycle

The life cycle typically takes seven to sixteen days, with overwintering as a larva and a univoltine reproductive pattern.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid in rafts in marsh/swamp habitats, containing around 100 eggs which hatch after several days; the larvae and pupae can breathe underwater through specialized modifications.

Ecosystem Role

Vectors for diseases such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalomyelitis; implicated in disease transmission to humans and animals.

Economic Impact

Considered important due to their role in disease transmission which can have public health implications.

Health Concerns

Good vectors for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV).

Similar Taxa

Mansonia