Saint-louis-encephalitis
Guides
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.