Mosquito Identification Cheat Sheet
Basic Anatomy of an Adult Mosquito
http://fmel.ifas.ufl.edu/key/anatomy/adult.shtml
Species found in this Area
I.
Anopheles:
There are approximately 460 recognized species: while over 100 can transmit human malaria,
only 30–40 commonly transmit parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which cause malaria in
humans in endemic areas. Anopheles gambiae is one of the best known, because of its
predominant role in the transmission of the most dangerous malaria parasite species (to
humans) – Plasmodium falciparum.
The name comes from the Greek αν, an, meaning not, and όφελος, óphelos, meaning profit,
and translates to useless.[1]
Some species of Anopheles also can serve as the vectors for canine heartworm Dirofilaria
immitis, the filariasis-causing species Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi, and viruses such
as one that causes O'nyong'nyong fever. There is an association of brain tumor incidence and
malaria, suggesting that the Anopheles might transmit a virus or other agent that could cause a
brain tumor.[2]
Mosquitoes in other genera (Aedes, Culex) can also serve as vectors of disease agents, but not
malaria.
Anopheles stephensi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Anopheles_stephensi.jpeg
Anopheles General Features
http://fmel.ifas.ufl.edu/key/anatomy/adult.shtml
-
long legs
3 long projections (palps) as long as probiscus
 Anopheles quadramaculatus
Common in this area
General Features
- Very dark spots (patches) on wings but not on wing margins
o Dark spots are actually veins that darken the area
- No white banding on palps
 Anopheles punctapennis
Very common in this area
General Features
- Large gold spots (patches) on wing margins
o Dark spots are actually veins that darken the area
- White banding on palps
 Anopheles walker
Less common in this area
General Features
 Very dark spots (patches) on wings but not on wing margins
o Dark spots are actually veins that darken the area
 White banding on palps
II. Culex:
Culex is a genus of mosquito, and is important in that several species serve as vectors of important
diseases, such as West Nile virus, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis and avian
malaria.
The adult mosquito can measure from 4–10 millimetres (0.16–0.39 in), and morphologically has the
three body parts common to insects: head, thorax, and abdomen. As a fly, it has one pair of wings.
Scientists at the University of California, Davis and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
(SLU), have identified nonanal as a compound that attracts Culex mosquitoes.[1][2][3] Nonanal acts
synergistically with carbon dioxide.[4]
Male Culex
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culex
 Culex territans
http://fmel.ifas.ufl.edu/key/anatomy/adult.shtml
Common in this area
General Features
 very small (probably the smallest seen in this area)
 rounded abdomen
 apical banding on abdominal segments
 no “arm pit hair” behind halters
 Culex pipiens
Common in this area
General Features
 basal banding on abdominal segment
 rounded abdomen
 no large white spots on thorax
 Culex restuans
Common in this area
General Features
 2 whites spots on thorax
III. Culiseta:
Culiseta is a genus of mosquitoes. Most Culiseta are cold-adapted species which only occur in
warmer climates during the colder parts of the year or at higher elevations where temperatures
are low. The larvae of most species are found in ground waters such as bogs, marshes, ponds,
streams, ditches, and rock-pools, but an African species occurs in tree-holes (phytotelma), a
common eastern Palaearctic species occurs in water wells and rock-pools, and several
Australian species occur underground. Little is known about the blood-feeding habits of females.
Most species feed on birds and mammals, but a few feed on reptiles. Several species attack
domestic animals and occasionally humans.[2]
Culiseta is found in throughout the world, except in South America.[2]
C. longiareolata
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culiseta
 Culiseta melanura
Common in this area
General Features
 smaller mosquito
 dark body
 basal banding on abdominal segments
 “arm pit hair” behind halters
 rounded abdomen at base
 darker body vs culex
 hing tarsomeres banded/white/narrow
 Culiseta morcitans
Common in this area
General Features
 very large mosquito
 dark body
 stripped banding on abdomen
 rounded abdomen at base
 “arm pit hair” behind halters
 darker body vs culex
 hind tarsomeres banded/white/narrow
IV. Coquillettidia
Coquillettidia perturbans
http://fmel.ifas.ufl.edu/key/genus/coquillettidia_pert.shtml
General Features
WNV and EEE vector?
- salt and pepper scales on wing vs uniform color (see next page)
o covers entire wing
-
white banding on leg