Do mosquitoes have any redeeming qualities? What stops us from completely eradicating them from off the face of the earth? What good are mosquitoes?
Mosquito
- David Bradt shares his experiences as an entomologist in the US Army.
Guides
Aedes
tiger mosquito, dengue mosquito
Aedes is a large genus of mosquitoes containing over 950 species, originally native to tropical and subtropical regions but now established on all continents except Antarctica. The genus is distinguished by black and white banding on the body and legs, and by diurnal biting behavior that differs from most mosquito genera. Several species are significant disease vectors, transmitting dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. Invasive species such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus have expanded their ranges dramatically through human activity, particularly via the international trade in used tires.
Aedes cinereus
Minute Floodwater Mosquito
Aedes cinereus, commonly known as the minute floodwater mosquito, is a widespread mosquito species found across northern North America and Europe. It is notable for its aggressive biting behavior toward humans and its role as a vector for arboviruses, particularly Ockelbo virus in northern Europe. The species thrives in wetland habitats with semi-permanent water bodies and demonstrates adaptability by occasionally breeding in artificial containers. Research has also demonstrated its competence for Lammi virus, an insect-specific orthoflavivirus with possible transovarial transmission.
Aedes epactius
Western Rock Pool mosquito
Aedes epactius is a North American mosquito species in the subgenus Georgecraigius, first described in 1908. It exhibits remarkable altitudinal plasticity, occurring from sea level to over 2,500 meters elevation. The species breeds in both natural rock pools and artificial containers including tires, water tanks, and flower pots. It has been studied for potential arbovirus transmission, with laboratory evidence of competence for St. Louis encephalitis and Jamestown Canyon viruses, and field detection of West Nile and Zika virus RNA. Recent research suggests it may compete with invasive Aedes aegypti, potentially limiting its spread in some habitats.
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.
Anopheles
marsh mosquito, nail mosquito
Anopheles is a genus of mosquito comprising approximately 460 recognized species, first described by German entomologist J.W. Meigen in 1818. The genus diverged from other mosquitoes approximately 100 million years ago. While over 100 species can transmit human malaria, only 30–40 commonly transmit Plasmodium parasites that cause human malaria in endemic areas. Anopheles is the sole mosquito genus capable of transmitting human malaria, making it one of the most medically significant insect genera globally.
Anopheles crucians
Anopheles crucians is a mosquito species inhabiting shaded aquatic environments with acidic water, particularly cypress swamps. It breeds in semipermanent and permanent pools, ponds, lakes, and swamps. The species is a documented host for parasitic water mites (Arrenurus spp.), with males showing significantly higher parasitism rates due to surface water contact during swarming behavior. It has been implicated as a potential malaria vector, with historical research documenting Plasmodium falciparum infection in 75% of examined individuals.
Anopheles earlei
Anopheles earlei is a small mosquito species distributed throughout North America. Its larvae develop in cold, clear water in ponds and other small water bodies containing vegetation. Adults feed on vertebrate blood including cattle, white-tailed deer, humans, snowshoe hares, and dogs. The species is among the less abundant Anopheles species in surveyed regions of the northern United States.
Anopheles franciscanus
Anopheles franciscanus is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, first described by McCracken in 1904. The species has been documented in southern California and is part of the Anopheles genus, which includes mosquitoes capable of transmitting malaria parasites. Seven subspecies have been described, ranging across Middle America and North America.
Anopheles walkeri
Walker's Anopheles
Anopheles walkeri is a North American mosquito species found predominantly throughout the Mississippi River Valley, ranging north to southern Quebec, Canada. It is a freshwater swamp specialist whose eggs lack desiccation resistance, restricting it to permanently wet habitats. The species exhibits distinctive nocturnal activity patterns, with peak blood-feeding occurring late at night. A. walkeri has a multivoltine life cycle with specialized overwintering eggs that have enlarged dorsal floats, allowing it to complete one full larval generation before hibernating adults of other species become active. Despite occasional detection of human malaria parasites in southern U.S. specimens, it is considered an unlikely disease vector due to habitat preferences and low virus detection rates.
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.
Coquillettidia perturbans
Cattail Mosquito
Coquillettidia perturbans is a mosquito species with a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. It is a documented vector of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus and West Nile virus, with particular significance in disease ecology due to its ability to fly long distances and feed on large mammals including humans. The species exhibits a distinctive larval adaptation: specialized siphons that pierce aquatic plant aerenchyma to obtain oxygen, allowing larvae and pupae to remain submerged and avoid surface predators and insecticides.
Culex
typical mosquitoes
Culex is a diverse genus of mosquitoes comprising over 1,000 species across more than 20 subgenera. Several species serve as important disease vectors, transmitting arboviruses including West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis, as well as filariasis and avian malaria. The genus occurs worldwide except for extreme northern temperate regions and is the most commonly encountered mosquito in many major U.S. cities. While most Culex species exhibit characteristic raft-forming egg-laying behavior, at least one species, Culex antillummagnorum, has been documented with unique aerial and "barrage" oviposition strategies.
Culex coronator
Culex coronator is a highly invasive Neotropical mosquito species first described from Trinidad and Tobago in 1906. It was first detected in the United States in Louisiana in 2004 and has since spread rapidly across the southeastern USA, now documented in 14 states and 386 counties. The species has been implicated as a potential vector of West Nile virus and other arboviruses, with laboratory studies confirming vector competence under certain temperature conditions. Its rapid expansion and adaptation to urban environments pose significant public health concerns.
Culex nigripalpus
Florida SLE mosquito
Culex nigripalpus, commonly known as the Florida SLE mosquito, is a medium-sized, dark-colored blood-feeding mosquito and a significant disease vector in subtropical regions. It serves as the primary enzootic vector of Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus to wild birds and the primary epidemic vector to humans in Florida. The species has been demonstrated capable of transmitting West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, dog heartworm, and Avian malaria. Its habit of feeding on both birds and mammals gives it substantial potential for zoonotic transmission from birds to humans.
Culex peccator
Culex peccator is a mosquito species described by Dyar and Knab in 1909, placed in the subgenus Melanoconion within the genus Culex. Records indicate presence in the Caribbean, Middle America, and North America, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the available literature. The species appears to be rarely collected, with minimal observational data available.
Culex pipiens
common house mosquito, northern house mosquito
Culex pipiens is a globally distributed mosquito species native to Africa, Asia, and Europe, now found in temperate regions worldwide except Antarctica. It is the type species for the genus Culex and one of the most common mosquitoes in human habitats in the northern hemisphere. The species includes two morphologically indistinguishable but ecologically distinct forms: C. p. form pipiens, which lives above ground and feeds primarily on birds, and C. p. form molestus, which lives underground and bites mammals including humans. Hybrids between these forms exhibit intermediate feeding behavior and are implicated as bridge vectors for West Nile virus transmission from birds to humans.
Culex quinquefasciatus
Southern House Mosquito
Culex quinquefasciatus, the southern house mosquito, is a medium-sized brown mosquito distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is a significant disease vector, transmitting pathogens including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, lymphatic filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti), and potentially Zika virus. The species is taxonomically part of the Culex pipiens species complex and is one of the most abundant peridomestic mosquitoes globally. Its genome was sequenced in 2010, revealing 18,883 protein-coding genes.
Culex restuans
White-dotted Mosquito
Culex restuans is a medium-sized brown mosquito distributed across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is a significant vector of West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis, serving as both an enzootic vector among birds and a potential bridge vector to mammals. Adults are occasionally called the 'white-dotted mosquito' due to two white dots sometimes present on the dorsal scutum, though these are not reliable identification characters. The species is frequently confused with Culex pipiens, requiring detailed morphological examination for accurate identification.
Culex stigmatosoma
Banded Foul Water Mosquito
Culex stigmatosoma is a mosquito species distributed across the southwestern United States and northern South America. Bloodmeal analysis from southern California populations reveals it feeds primarily on birds (71.3%) with opportunistic mammalian feeding (28.7%, including humans 1.4%). The species exhibits seasonal host-shifting behavior, increasing mammalian feeding in late summer and early fall. It is a confirmed vector of West Nile virus and considered a potential bridge vector between enzootic bird reservoirs and humans.
Culex tarsalis
Western Encephalitis Mosquito
Culex tarsalis is a mosquito species distributed across North America, with particular importance in the western United States as a vector of multiple arboviruses. The species is distinguished by black and white banding on the legs. It serves as the primary vector for West Nile virus in agricultural areas of California and transmits Saint Louis encephalitis virus, Western equine encephalitis virus, and avian malaria parasites. Some populations exhibit autogeny, the ability to produce eggs without blood feeding. The species has been the subject of extensive genetic research, with a reference genome published in 2020.
Culex territans
Northern Frog-biting Mosquito
Culex territans, commonly known as the Northern Frog-biting Mosquito, is a mosquito species with a nearly exclusive feeding relationship with amphibians, particularly frogs. Adult females are strongly attracted to frog vocalizations and exhibit temporal and spatial synchrony with their amphibian hosts. The species is a confirmed vector for multiple amphibian pathogens, including Giant Anuran Trypanosomes, Hepatozoon species, and potentially Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Unlike many Culex species, it poses minimal direct threat to human health due to its host preferences, though it has been found infected with West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus.
Culiseta alaskaensis
Alaskan winter mosquito
Culiseta alaskaensis, the Alaskan winter mosquito, is a Holarctic mosquito species adapted to cold subarctic and arctic environments. It has a univoltine life cycle with larvae overwintering and adults emerging in late summer. Females exhibit a distinctive reproductive strategy: they are autogenous for their first egg batch, producing eggs without a blood meal, but require blood for subsequent batches. Adults enter hibernation shortly after emergence without mating or feeding, with mating deferred until spring.
Culiseta incidens
Cool Weather Mosquito, Cold Weather Mosquito
Culiseta incidens, commonly known as the cool weather mosquito, is a species of mosquito in the family 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 host for the microsporidian parasite Amblyospora campbelli, which exhibits a complex two-host life cycle involving an obligatory intermediate copepod host. Research has demonstrated that larvae and pupae of this species exhibit circadian rhythms in spontaneous locomotor activity, with peak activity occurring during the light phase.
Culiseta inornata
Winter Marsh Mosquito, Unadorned American Cool Weather Mosquito
Culiseta inornata, commonly known as the winter marsh mosquito, is a species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. It has been extensively studied for its sensory physiology, mating behavior, and osmoregulatory adaptations to brackish water habitats. The species exhibits complex behavioral mechanisms for processing conflicting sensory stimuli and has been documented in central and southern California, where it occurs in marsh and brackish water environments.
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.
Culiseta minnesotae
Minnesota winter mosquito
Culiseta minnesotae is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, first described by Barr in 1957. The species is known by the common name "Minnesota winter mosquito," suggesting adaptation to cold climates. It belongs to the genus Culiseta, which includes mosquitoes often associated with cool weather activity and overwintering behaviors. Very little specific biological information has been documented for this particular species.
Culiseta particeps
Culiseta particeps is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae. It is distributed along the western coast of North America, from Alaska and British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California to Arizona, and extends into Mexico and Guatemala. The species is not known to vector human pathogens. First Canadian records from British Columbia were documented in 2011, extending the known northern range of the species.
Deinocerites
crab hole mosquito
Deinocerites is a genus of mosquitoes comprising approximately 18 described species, recognized as an aberrant offshoot of Culex. Larvae develop in water within deep crab holes, and adults frequently occupy these burrows. Males possess distinctive elongate non-plumose antennae and specialized front claws. The genus exhibits highly specialized mating behaviors, including male attendance at pupae and mating initiated before females fully emerge from pupal cases.
Mansonia
Mansonia mosquito
Mansonia is a genus of mosquitoes in the family Culicidae. Adults are large, dark-colored mosquitoes with distinctive iridescent scaling on wings and legs. The genus is notable for its unique larval and pupal biology: immature stages attach to submerged rootlets of aquatic plants using modified siphons to obtain oxygen, rather than surfacing to breathe. Several species serve as vectors of human and animal pathogens, including filarial worms and arboviruses. The genus has a global distribution, with particular abundance in tropical and subtropical regions associated with permanent freshwater habitats.
Mansonia titillans
Mansonia titillans is a neotropical mosquito species in the tribe Mansoniini. It is the most abundant Mansoniini species in central Florida phosphate regions and has shown recent northern range expansion into South Carolina. The species is distinguished by its unique underwater oviposition behavior, where females deposit eggs on the undersurfaces of aquatic plant leaves. Larval development occurs in association with floating vegetation, particularly water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).
Mansoniini
Mansoniini is a tribe of mosquitoes comprising approximately 83 species in two genera: Mansonia (25 species) and Coquillettidia (58 species). Members exhibit unique larval biology, using aquatic plants as respiratory substrates rather than surfacing directly for air. Adults display preferentially crepuscular and nocturnal hematophagic activity. Several species have been implicated as vectors for arboviruses including Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, and Mayaro virus. The tribe shows strong sensitivity to seasonal meteorological variation, with temperature and precipitation directly influencing population dynamics.
Ochlerotatus campestris
Campestris mosquito
Ochlerotatus campestris is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, originally described as Aedes campestris by Dyar & Knab in 1907. The species is currently classified under the genus Ochlerotatus, though taxonomic placement of this group remains subject to revision. It occurs in North America and Middle America based on distribution records. Like other Ochlerotatus species, females require blood meals for egg development while males feed on nectar.
Ochlerotatus canadensis
Canadian mosquito
Ochlerotatus canadensis is a mosquito species native to North America, with documented presence in the Caribbean, Middle America, and North America including Vermont. The species was originally described as Culex canadensis by Theobald in 1901 and has since been reclassified within the genus Ochlerotatus, though it is also recognized as Aedes canadensis in some taxonomic treatments. It belongs to the Ochlerotatus Group of mosquitoes within the family Culicidae.
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.
Ochlerotatus communis
Ochlerotatus communis is a mosquito species distributed across northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Studies have documented its role as a vector for orbiviruses, with isolations of Kevo orbivirus and Mobuck virus from specimens collected in Finland. Research on male specimens indicates elevated catalase enzyme activity during the teneral period and early post-emergence, suggesting physiological adaptations to oxidative stress during metamorphosis.
Ochlerotatus diantaeus
Ochlerotatus diantaeus is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, originally described as Aedes diantaeus in 1913. The species has undergone taxonomic reclassification, now placed in the genus Ochlerotatus. It occurs across parts of Europe, northern Asia, and North America. Like other members of its genus, females require blood meals for egg production.
Ochlerotatus dorsalis
Salt Marsh Mosquito
Ochlerotatus dorsalis is a Holarctic mosquito species with a transcontinental distribution spanning the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Genetic studies have identified two highly distinctive COI mtDNA phylogroups corresponding to these regions, suggesting Pleistocene vicariance of an ancestral range due to geographical barriers and climatic changes. The species is epidemiologically relevant as a potential pathogen vector.
Ochlerotatus excrucians
Ochlerotatus excrucians is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, originally described as Culex excrucians by Walker in 1856. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some authorities now placing it in the genus Aedes as Aedes excrucians. It occurs across North America and parts of Europe and Northern Asia. Like other Ochlerotatus species, it is presumed to have a typical mosquito life cycle with aquatic larval and pupal stages and terrestrial adults.
Ochlerotatus fitchii
Ochlerotatus fitchii is a mosquito species first described in 1904, originally placed in genus Culex before reclassification to Ochlerotatus. The species is present in both North America and Europe/Northern Asia. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits typical floodwater mosquito biology with eggs deposited in dry areas that hatch upon flooding.
Ochlerotatus fulvus pallens
Ochlerotatus fulvus pallens is a mosquito subspecies described by Ross in 1943, originally classified under Aedes. It belongs to the Ochlerotatus Group within Culicidae. The subspecies has been documented across Caribbean, Middle America, and North America. Taxonomic status varies by source: GBIF lists it as a synonym of Aedes fulvus, while NCBI maintains it under Ochlerotatus.
Ochlerotatus hendersoni
Ochlerotatus hendersoni is a mosquito species closely related to Ochlerotatus triseriatus, with which it can produce viable interspecific hybrids. Unlike its congener O. triseriatus, which is an efficient vector for La Crosse virus, O. hendersoni transmits this virus only at very low rates. Genetic studies have identified quantitative trait loci associated with this refractory vector competence, with some regions containing genes from O. hendersoni that paradoxically increase transmission ability in hybrid offspring, likely due to epistatic interactions. The species is present in North America, including the northeastern United States.
Ochlerotatus implicatus
Ochlerotatus implicatus is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, first described by Vockeroth in 1954. It has been documented in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America, where recent surveillance studies have recorded new distribution records for this species. The species belongs to the Aedes genus complex, which includes many floodwater mosquitoes. Research in northern Canada detected Jamestown Canyon virus in this species, indicating potential vector competence for California serogroup viruses.
Ochlerotatus infirmatus
Ochlerotatus infirmatus is a mosquito species originally described by Dyar and Knab in 1906. It belongs to the Ochlerotatus Group, a complex of related mosquitoes within the family Culicidae. The species has been documented in North America and is one of several floodplain mosquito species whose populations can increase dramatically following rainfall events. Like other members of its genus, females require blood meals for egg development while males feed on nectar.
Ochlerotatus nigromaculis
Ochlerotatus nigromaculis is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, originally described by Ludlow in 1906 as Grabhamia nigromaculis. The species has been used in research on population genetics and insecticide resistance testing. It is currently classified under the genus Ochlerotatus, though it has also been placed in the genus Aedes in various taxonomic treatments. The species is present in North America and Middle America according to distribution records.
Ochlerotatus provocans
Ochlerotatus provocans is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, first described by Walker in 1848. The species has been documented in North America, with confirmed presence in Vermont. It is part of the Ochlerotatus genus, which was formerly treated as a subgenus of Aedes but is now recognized as distinct by many authorities. The species is known to occur north of the 60th parallel, placing it within Arctic and sub-Arctic regions where it has been investigated as a potential vector for Jamestown Canyon virus.
Ochlerotatus pullatus
Ochlerotatus pullatus is a boreoalpine mosquito species with a discontinuous Holarctic distribution. In eastern North America, it has been recorded from alpine and subalpine habitats, with a notable range extension documented in the Chic-Chocs mountains of eastern Québec. The species develops in temporary snowmelt pools at elevations around 1000 m, where it can be locally dominant. Its presence in disjunct mountain populations has been discussed in relation to postglacial dispersal patterns.
Ochlerotatus punctor
Ochlerotatus punctor is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, originally described from Europe but now recognized as having a broader distribution including North America. The species has been the subject of taxonomic study, with a notable record of a bilateral gynandromorph specimen from Germany. Like other members of the genus, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with aquatic larval stages.
Ochlerotatus scapularis
Aedes scapularis
Ochlerotatus scapularis is a neotropical mosquito species with expanding distribution, now established in mainland Florida after first detection in the Florida Keys in 1945. The species exhibits strong anthropophilic feeding behavior, with documented human blood meals comprising 83% of engorged females. It is known to transmit multiple pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, including yellow fever virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, and Dirofilaria immitis. Recent ecological niche modeling predicts potential for further northward expansion along the US Gulf Coast.
Ochlerotatus sierrensis
Ochlerotatus sierrensis is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, first described by Lynch-Arribalzaga in 1891. The species belongs to the genus Ochlerotatus, a group of floodwater mosquitoes whose taxonomy has undergone revision from formerly being classified within Aedes. As with other Ochlerotatus species, females require blood meals for egg development while males feed on nectar.
Ochlerotatus sollicitans
eastern saltmarsh mosquito, salt marsh mosquito
Ochlerotatus sollicitans, commonly known as the eastern saltmarsh mosquito, is a floodwater mosquito species native to coastal regions of eastern North America. It is a significant pest species known for aggressive biting behavior and daytime activity. The species is a competent vector for several arboviruses including Eastern equine encephalitis virus and West Nile virus. Its populations can explode following tidal flooding or heavy rainfall events in salt marsh habitats.