Tree-hole
Guides
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.
Mallota
Mimic Flies
Mallota is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) containing approximately 30 described species. Adults are well known for their robust, bee-like appearance, functioning as mimics of bumble bees (Bombus species). The genus has been documented from North America, Europe, and Asia. Larvae develop in water-filled tree holes and other decaying wood cavities.
Mallota bautias
Bare-eyed Bee-mimic Fly
Mallota bautias is a hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to eastern North America. The species is notable for its exceptional mimicry of bumblebees (genus Bombus), particularly Bombus pennsylvanicus, serving as a classic example of Batesian mimicry in which a harmless species evolves to resemble a stinging model. Adult flies are pollinators, while larvae develop in tree holes filled with water. The species has been the subject of behavioral studies examining how avian predators respond to the mimic and its model.
Orthopodomyia
tree hole mosquito, ornate mosquito
A genus of wild mosquitoes comprising 36 species distributed primarily in tropical and temperate regions. Adults are predominantly nocturnal and essentially wild in habit. Most species are not recognized as epidemiologically important vectors due to limited bionomic knowledge. The genus is phylogenetically close to tribe Mansoniini based on molecular evidence.
Orthopodomyia signifera
Ornate Treehole Mosquito
Orthopodomyia signifera is a container-breeding mosquito species in the family Culicidae. It is commonly known as the ornate treehole mosquito. The species develops in tree holes and has been documented across North America, the Caribbean, and Middle America.