Dirofilaria-immitis
Guides
Aedes vexans
inland floodwater mosquito, tomguito
Aedes vexans is a cosmopolitan floodwater mosquito native to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is now established in Australia. It is frequently the most abundant mosquito species across much of its range, particularly in northern latitudes. Females are aggressive human biters active at dusk, while males feed exclusively on nectar. The species is a documented vector for multiple pathogens including dog heartworm, Tahyna virus, and West Nile virus, and has demonstrated laboratory competence for Zika virus transmission. Its eggs survive winter in dry flood-prone soils, hatching when inundated by rainfall.