Rice-field
Guides
Anopheles freeborni
western malaria mosquito
Anopheles freeborni is a medium-sized mosquito species native to western North America, historically recognized as the primary malaria vector in the western United States. Adults are distinguished by four dark wing spots and gray-brown thoracic stripes. The species exhibits strong zoophilic feeding preferences, primarily targeting cattle, horses, and other large mammals, though human blood meals occur at lower frequencies. Larval development occurs in stagnant freshwater habitats, particularly rice fields and associated irrigation systems. Females overwinter in sheltered locations and exhibit prehibernation dispersal flights of up to 28 km. Mating occurs in large evening swarms from July through September.
Microvelia pulchella
smaller water strider
Microvelia pulchella is a semiaquatic predatory bug in the family Veliidae, distributed throughout the American continents from Canada to Argentina. It is the type species of the genus Microvelia and one of the most common species in the Neotropical Region. Laboratory studies demonstrate its potential as a biological control agent against disease-vector mosquitoes and agricultural pests in rice fields. The species serves as a model organism for behavioral and ecological research due to its convenient rearing characteristics and measurable traits.