Eastern-equine-encephalitis
Guides
Coquillettidia
A genus of mosquitoes erected by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1905, distinguished primarily by unique features of male genitalia. The genus name honors entomologist Daniel William Coquillett. It comprises 57 species in three subgenera: Coquillettidia (primarily Afrotropical with some Asian, Australasian, Palearctic, and one North American species), Austromansonia (restricted to New Zealand), and Rhynchotaenia (confined to the Neotropical Region). Larvae are unique among mosquitoes in attaching to submerged plant roots and stems throughout development using modified respiratory structures.
Culiseta
Culiseta is a genus of mosquitoes in the family Culicidae. Most species are cold-adapted and occur in warmer climates primarily during colder seasons or at higher elevations. The genus is distributed worldwide except South America. Several species are significant disease vectors, including C. melanura, the primary vector of eastern equine encephalitis virus in North America. Species exhibit diverse larval habitats ranging from bogs and marshes to tree holes, rock pools, and underground sites.
Culiseta melanura
black-tailed mosquito, dark-tailed mosquito
Culiseta melanura, the black-tailed mosquito, is a North American mosquito species and the primary enzootic vector of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). Adult females feed almost exclusively on birds, with strong preferences for species such as wood thrush, American robin, and northern cardinal. The species maintains EEEV transmission among avian hosts throughout its range in eastern and central North America. In Florida, populations persist year-round in wet tree holes, serving as a reservoir that may reseed northern populations annually.
Ochlerotatus cantator
brown saltmarsh mosquito
Ochlerotatus cantator, commonly known as the brown saltmarsh mosquito, is a floodplain mosquito species native to eastern North America. It was reclassified from Aedes cantator to Ochlerotatus cantator following taxonomic revision of the genus. The species is particularly abundant in coastal and inland salt marsh habitats, where it serves as a significant nuisance biter and potential disease vector.