Wyeomyia mitchellii
(Theobald, 1905)
bromeliad mosquito
Wyeomyia mitchellii is a mosquito in the Culicidae, commonly known as the bromeliad mosquito. Native to the New World, it has been introduced to South Africa, marking the first confirmed record of this species in the Old World. The species is associated with bromeliad phytotelmata (water-holding plants) and has been detected in urban and peri-urban environments through routine surveillance.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Wyeomyia mitchellii: /waɪˈoʊmiːə mɪˈtʃɛliːaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Habitat
Native range: associated with bromeliad phytotelmata. Introduced range (South Africa): urban and peri-urban sites including nature reserves, botanic gardens, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and residential areas in humid subtropical coastal environments.
Distribution
Native to New World: Caribbean, Middle America, North America, and Hawaii. Introduced to Old World: first confirmed record from eThekwini municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa (2020–2021).
Human Relevance
Introduced with potential public health significance; detected through surveillance programs. No specific arbovirus detections reported for this species in South Africa, though screening was conducted.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Landscape Conservation for Rare Insects | Bug Squad
- Wyeomyia smithii Archives - Entomology Today
- When Mosquitoes Go to Bed for Winter, and How It Can Inform Management
- Life history and demographic parameters of Wyeomyia mitchellii (Theobald) (Diptera: Culicidae)
- Identification of arboviruses in mosquito populations in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and the first record of Wyeomyia mitchellii in the Old World