Florida Medical Entomology Lab

Catherine Lippi and Eva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Ana L. Romero-Weaver, Lawrence E. Reeves, Michael T. Riles, Yoosook Lee, yBryan V. Giordano

Culex coronator Dyar and Knab is a highly invasive Neotropical species, first described at the beginning of the 20th century in Trinidad and Tobago. This is an important invasive species in Florida, that needs to be carefully surveilled by mosquito control experts. This publication is structured like those from Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU; https://www.wrbu.si.edu/) so that readers can obtain a similar level of detail to that offered through WRBU species pages, which are widely used by anyone interested in mosquito biology, research, and education.

Stephanie K. HIll, Erik M. Blosser, and C. Roxanne Connelly

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Diana Vork and C. Roxanne Connelly

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Mary Nordgulen, Nathan Burkett-Cadena, and Derrick Mathias

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Chris Holderman and C. Roxanne Connelly

This document provides an in-depth profile of the mosquito species Psorophora ferox, commonly known as the white-footed woods mosquito. Native to North and South America, this mosquito is prevalent in woodland environments with intermittent pools. While it is not a major vector for human pathogens, it is known for its persistent and painful bites. The article details the mosquito’s life cycle, distribution, and medical significance, highlighting its role in transmitting certain viruses in laboratory settings. Management recommendations include avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity and using EPA-registered repellents.

Bryna C. Wilson yNathan Burkett-Cadena

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes Aedes canadensis, a mosquito species that, while classified as a "minor nuisance," can nevertheless spread multiple human and animal pathogens. The publication describes the pest's morphology, natural history, and distribution; lists potential hosts; describes its medical and veterinary importance; and provides advice on surveillance and management strategies.

Miranda J. Tressler yEva A. Buckner

Mosquito control programs in Florida manage mosquito populations and reduce the public risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases. They use many methods to target multiple life stages of mosquitoes in a process called integrated mosquito management, or IMM. The American Mosquito Control Association considers IMM the best way to manage mosquitoes and reduce mosquito-borne disease transmission. An IMM program includes community engagement, mosquito surveillance, source reduction, biological control and the application of targeted insecticides, and monitoring for insecticide resistance. Public perception of mosquito control programs is sometimes negative, especially when people do not have a good understanding of the behind-the-scenes steps of IMM. This publication is intended to educate Florida residents about mosquito control programs by providing an overview of the regulation of these programs and a full understanding of the IMM strategies they practice.

Valerie T. Nguyen, Olivia R. Magaletta, yYoosook Lee

The genus Anopheles, the marsh mosquitoes, comprises approximately 500 species, only a few of which are capable of transmitting malaria parasites. With the global consorted efforts to eliminate malaria, some regions and countries are in or are approaching the malaria elimination phase, but residual malaria transmissions still linger in other, malaria pre-elimination countries. These transmissions may be vectored by lesser-known mosquito species such as Anopheles squamosus, one of the most abundantly caught anopheline species in malaria vector surveillance studies in southern African countries. Though An. squamosus is predominantly recognized as a zoophilic species, it has been discovered to be highly anthropophilic in certain areas, particularly in Southern Zambia. Additionally, Plasmodium falciparum, the causal agent of human malaria, has been detected in An. squamosus. These factors position An. squamosus as a potential primary vector of malaria in some pre-elimination zones.

Catherine Lippi, Phillip Kaufman, and Eva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Abdullah A. Alomar and Barry W. Alto

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Nathan Burkett-Cadena, Vilma M. Cooper, Charlotte A. Addae, C. Roxanne Connelly, yEva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Walter J. Tabachnick, Chelsea T. Smartt, and C. Roxanne Connelly

ENY-743 answers common questions about this viral disease of ruminant livestock transmitted by biting midges, the virus, clinical signs of bluetongue, economic impact, transmission, diagnosis, cure, distribution, presence in Florida, and prevention. Includes references.

Lethia R. Johnson, James P. Cuda, and Nathan Burkett-Cadena

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Bethany R. Eutsey, Cameron J. Jack, Shelley A. Whitehead, and Eva A. Buckner

Chagas disease is a potentially fatal, chronic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite. It causes 6 to 8 million cases and 50,000 deaths each year. Humans and animals usually become infected with T. cruzi via triatomine bugs, also called kissing or conenose bugs, found only in the Americas. Disease transmitted by triatomine bugs generally occurs in rural areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America, but it is becoming more prevalent in non-endemic areas like the US as asymptomatic infected people move from rural to urban areas of Latin America and other regions.  In the US, approximately 300,000 people are currently infected with Chagas disease, 18,000 in Florida. Most if not all of them were infected elsewhere; local transmission of Chagas disease via triatomines in the US is rare. Awareness and understanding of Chagas disease are critical to detect and treat cases early. This publication is intended for anyone interested in learning more about Chagas disease.

C. Roxanne Connelly, Christopher N. Mores, Chelsea T. Smartt, and Walter J. Tabachnick

Describes this mosquito-borne virus, what it is, its symptoms, how its transmitted to humans, where it occurs, risk to Floridians, and how it can be prevented. Includes references.

Amy Hallock, Eva A. Buckner, Ricky W. Telg, and Alena R. Poulin

Being bitten by the container mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus means a higher risk of becoming infected with Zika, dengue, or chikungunya virus. Container mosquitoes develop in the water that collects in discarded tires, jars, cans, buckets, and boats. The best way to prevent irritating bites and dangerous mosquito-transmitted illnesses is to get rid of all trash that holds water. This fact sheet is packed with recommendations that will help you to successfully develop and host a cleanup event to reduce potential mosquito larval habitats in your community and keep yourself and your neighbors safe.

George F. O'Meara

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Yesenia Sánchez, Amely Bauer, yLindsay Campbell

Light Detection And Ranging, or LiDAR, is a technology that uses laser pulses to create detailed 3D maps of the Earth’s surface. The technology has been around since the 1960s, but recent advances have made it more common for mapping both natural and human-made environments. LiDAR data is useful in many fields. It can be used to improve car safety and self-driving technology and to map areas to identify archaeological sites. It is useful for precision agriculture applications, land management decisions, and even mosquito control. This fact sheet provides practical instructions on how to create a DTM and a hillshade visualization from LiDAR data using ArcGIS Pro software. The guide is intended for anyone interested in processing publicly accessible LiDAR data or their own LiDAR data for further use, including community partners in industry and governmental agencies, scientists, and the public.

Sierra M. Schluep, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, Derrick K. Mathias, and Eva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Nathan Burkett-Cadena

This publication provides an in-depth profile of Culicoides paraensis Goeldi (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a species of biting midge also sometimes called sand flies and no-see-ums, found throughout forested areas of North and South America. In the Amazon Region of South America, this species is the only confirmed vector of a potentially deadly human pathogen, Oropouche virus, which is spreading beyond its endemic range.  Culicoides paraensis is relevant to Florida due to its propensity to bite humans and its potential to transmit a human pathogen. This profile is intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Miles T. McCollum, Nathan Burkett-Cadena, yDerrick K. Mathias

The genus Psorophora is in the subfamily Culicinae and the tribe Aedini. This genus is comprised of relatively ornate mosquitoes, some species of which are quite large. As of 2025, there are 49 species of Psorophora divided into three subgenera: Grabhamia, Janthinosoma, and Psorophora. The genus Psorophora is most diverse in tropical and temperate regions of the Americas. This publication focuses on Psorophora cyanescens, a species in the subgenus Janthinosoma.

Eva A. Buckner, Angelique Showman, C. Roxanne Connelly, yNathan Burkett-Cadena

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes the dark-tailed mosquito Culiseta melanura (Coquillet), a species of mosquito native to the forested regions of eastern North America that is considered the most important vector in the transmission cycle of eastern equine encephalitis virus, a virus that can cause severe disease in humans and domesticated animals. The publication describes the pest's morphology, natural history, and range in the United States; and describes its medical and veterinary importance as well as management efforts.

Yasmin V. Ortiz, Daniel W. Pérez-Ramos, Eric P. Caragata, and Panpim Thongsripong

This publication provides an overview of dengue fever, focusing on its epidemiological landscape in Florida. Dengue, caused by dengue virus and transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, is a major global health concern. Florida has experienced local dengue transmissions, and the incidence of dengue is increasing in the state. The biology and ecology of the primary vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, play  important roles in the disease's transmission cycle. No vaccine and no specific antiviral treatments are yet available, and diagnosis is difficult because dengue symptoms overlap with those of other, similar febrile illnesses. Prevention and control strategies, such as mosquito management, are therefore crucial to mitigate disease risks. Alongside urbanization, climate change, and globalization, incidence of dengue is increasing in Florida. Continued vigilance and research will help to combat this public health threat.

Sergio Méndez-Cardona, Barry W. Alto, yNathan Burkett-Cadena

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes Aedes triseriatus (Say, 1823), a mosquito species native to eastern and central North America commonly known as the eastern tree hole mosquito. Due to the potential risk of its introduction and establishment beyond its native range, it is considered a potential invasive species, which is of particular concern because Aedes triseriatus is the primary vector of La Crosse virus (LACv), which is the most prevalent cause of pediatric arboviral encephalitis in North America.

Tyler Maire yPanpim Thongsripong

Permethrin-treated clothing is an effective and safe tool for reducing mosquito bites and preventing mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus. This publication summarizes current scientific evidence on the effectiveness and safety of permethrin-treated clothing. It describes two options for using treated clothing: buying pre-treated garments or treating clothes at home. The article also offers tips to maximize protection and emphasizes the importance of using treated clothing with other prevention strategies, such as applying skin repellents and reducing mosquito breeding sites. The goal is to provide practical, evidence-based guidance for the public, as well as for public health and medical professionals seeking to reduce mosquito exposure and improve outdoor safety.

Yuexun Tian, Cynthia C. Lord, and Eva A. Buckner

Ehrlichia and Anaplasma are bacteria that cause diseases, known as ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis, in humans and other animals. Ehrlichia and Anaplasma are primarily transmitted through the bites of infected hard ticks, such as the lone star tick, the blacklegged tick, and the American dog tick. This publication describes the various forms of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis and their tick vectors.

Jorge R. Rey, Erik M. Blosser, Stephanie K. Hill and C. Roxanne Connelly

L. P. Lounibos, B. W. Alto, N. D. Burkett-Cadena, C. C. Lord, C. T. Smartt, and C. R. Connelly

Zika es un virus transmitido por mosquitos que se ha esparcido recientemente en regiones tropicales y ha causado epidemias, especialmente durante los últimos 8 o 9 años. En su ámbito nativo en África Occidental y Uganda, el virus se mantiene en los bosques, circulando entre mosquitos que viven en huecos de árboles y primates arbóreos; las infecciones de humanos se consideran incidentales y de poca importancia médica. Una cepa del virus que se implicó en brotes en Polinesia Francesa emergió en el Norte de Brasil en el 2015 y causó gran consternación debido a la alta incidencia de microcefalia en bebes nacidos de madres que fueron infectadas con el virus durante la gestación. Transmisión local, principalmente por el mosquito de la fiebre amarilla Aedes aegypti, ha sido documentada en la mayoría de los países tropicales de las Américas, pero aún no se ha detectado en Los Estados Unidos Continentales. Los síntomas de la infección incluyen, salpullido, dolor de cabeza, fiebre, dolor muscula

Abdullah A. Alomar and Barry W. Alto

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Lawrence Reeves, Lindsay P. Campbell

Mayaro virus (MAYV) can be spread from mosquitoes to humans. The geographic distribution of Mayaro virus is expanding from South and Central America into the Caribbean Islands, which means that, under the right conditions, this virus could one day become important to Florida. This publication is intended to serve as a fact sheet communicating information about MAYV to researchers and stakeholders in mosquito control and public health professions and to the general public.

Lawrence E. Reeves yLindsay Campbell

Introduced to the United States in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted from mosquitoes to humans and equines. With over 52,000 reported human infections, it is the most frequent cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Many mosquito species can transmit WNV, and many wildlife species can be infected with the virus and transmit it to biting mosquitoes, which makes identifying WNV's high risk areas or time periods complex. The US equine industry, domestic pets, and livestock are all at risk from harm from WNV. Many equine WNV epizootics have occurred since 1999, with more than 30,000 equine cases reported in the United States. Since WNV's introduction to Florida in 2001, infections have been reported in a total of 460 people and 757 equines. This publication provides information about WNV to the general public, researchers and stakeholders in mosquito control, and public health professionals.

L. Philip Lounibos and Eva A. Buckner

Container mosquitoes inhabit small natural and artificial water-filled vessels during their immature stages. This publication lists and illustrates fifteen species of them, including two exotics that are the most important vector species of dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. It also describes available control measures, the best for homeowners being to eliminate aquatic habitat by draining standing water in containers near homes.

Eric P. Caragata, Yoosook Lee, and Eva A. Buckner

Genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes are controversial, partly because of misinformation. This publication provides science-based information about GM mosquitoes to the public and anyone involved in mosquito control. It explains what GM mosquitoes are and why they are being investigated as a tool for mosquito control. Describes a GM mosquito pilot project in Florida, and includes FAQs and answers explaining how GM mosquitoes are created and their potential impacts on people and the environment.

C. Roxanne Connelly yStephanie K. Larrick Hill
Otros contactos: Eva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

C. R. Connelly, J. K. Nayar, C.D. Morris, and R. H. Baker

Malaria in humans is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes in the genus Anopheles and caused by any one of four species of microscopic protozoan parasites in the genus Plasmodium (P. vivax, P. falciparum, P. malariae and P. ovale ) distributed throughout the world. Malaria was one of the major endemic diseases in the United States for more than four centuries (Russell, 1968). As recently as 1935, malaria caused 4,000 deaths every year in the United States. However, by the 1940s, the annual death toll had been reduced to 400, and by 1952 it was down to 25 with little or no local transmission. In the United States and elsewhere, malaria was eradicated by draining larval habitats, treating patients with antimalarial drugs, applying mosquito larvicides and adulticides, and screening doors and windows. This document is ENY-630, one of a series of the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.

C. Roxanne Connelly
Traducido por Jorge R. Rey

Además de todas las variables ambientales, existen dos características biológicas relacionadas con la puesta de huevos por mosquitos que determinan el número de mosquitos que se verán y sentirán después de un huracán. Estas características separan a las especies de mosquitos dependiendo en las condiciones bajo las cuales pondrán sus huevos. Los dos grupos son los mosquitos de inundación, y los mosquitos de aguas estancadas. 

C. Roxanne Connelly
Otros contactos: Eva A. Buckner

Jorge R. Rey, C. Roxanne Connelly, Christopher N. Mores, Chelsea T. Smartt y Walter J. Tabachnick

C. Roxanne Connelly yJonathan F. Day
Otros contactos: Eva A. Buckner

A UF/IFAS numbered publication.

J. K. Nayar and C. R. Connelly

This document provides an overview of mosquito-borne dog heartworm disease, caused by the filarial nematode Dirofilaria immitis. It details the lifecycle of the parasite, which requires both dogs and mosquitoes to develop. The disease affects the heart and major blood vessels, leading to severe health issues in dogs. The document also covers the distribution of heartworm disease, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for dogs, as well as prevention strategies. Additionally, it discusses heartworm disease in cats and humans, highlighting differences in infection and clinical signs. Publication date: July 1990

C. Roxanne Connelly
Otros contactos: Eva A. Buckner

A UF/IFAS numbered publication.

Ana L. Romero-Weaver, L. Philip Lounibos, and Eva A. Buckner

Water can collect in the central tanks or axils of bromeliads, and immature stages of mosquitoes sometimes inhabit these small pools. This article provides recommendations for environmentally acceptable ways to control the production of nuisance mosquitoes in  bromeliads; suggestions for planting species of bromeliads less likely to favor the production of mosquito-borne disease vectors; and general advice about personal protection against mosquito bites.

Joseph Walter, Eva A. Buckner, C. Roxanne Connelly, Elizabeth R. Bolles, Dan Culbert, James DeValerio, Michael Donahoe, Kim E. Gabel, Rebecca L. Jordi, John McLaughlin, A. S. Neal, Sally A. Scalera, yElena Toro

A UF/IFAS numbered publication for Homeowner audience(s). Published by Integrated Pest Management

Andrew D. Trujillo, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, and Derrick Mathias

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Derrick K. Mathias yNathan Burkett-Cadena

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Abdullah A. Alomar, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, and Derrick K. Mathias

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Amely Bauer yLindsay Campbell

“One Health” is a way of conceptualizing wellbeing that recognizes the interconnection and co-dependence of human, animal, plant, and environmental health and focuses on collaborating across scientific fields to improve health across all components of the ecosystem. One Health was formalized in the early 2000s after the first cases of severe acute respiratory disease (SARS) and the rapid spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) drew international attention and concern about how pathogens can move and spread across the human, animal, and environmental interface. SARS and H5N1 highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to address diseases in an increasingly connected world. One Health is now used broadly to address health challenges across human, animal, and plant systems. This publication provides information about One Health to the public and to researchers and stakeholders in mosquito control and public health professions.

Leigh H. Ketelsen and Eva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. 

C. Roxanne Connelly

J. F. Day

This document is part of The Featured Creatures collection. The Florida SLE mosquito, Culex nigripalpus, is a significant disease vector in Florida, primarily transmitting St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) and potentially eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) viruses. This mosquito species thrives in subtropical regions and prefers laying eggs in freshly flooded habitats. Due to its abundance and behavior, it poses a considerable risk for arboviral transmission, necessitating vigilant surveillance and management efforts.

Leena A. Salama, Abdullah A. Alomar, Daniel W. Pérez-Ramos, and Eric P. Caragata

This publication is intended for both the general public and mosquito control professionals. It outlines the use of the bacterium Wolbachia pipientis as a tool to control mosquito populations and reduce the spread of mosquito-borne disease. Biting mosquitoes transmit many pathogens that cause deadly diseases in people, our pets, and our livestock. Collectively, malaria, dengue, West Nile, filariasis, and other mosquito-borne diseases result in millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. Effective vaccines for most of these have not been developed or are not yet available to the general public, and disease management is focused on controlling mosquito populations. Insecticides have become less effective over the past fifty years as mosquito populations all over the world have developed resistance. This has driven scientists to explore new options for controlling mosquitoes, including using the bacterium Wolbachia pipientis.

Yuexun Tian, Phillip E. Kaufman, and Cynthia C. Lord

The genus Rickettsia contains species that are important in human health as they cause several serious diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This publication summarizes the human-disease-causing pathogens in the genus Rickettsia in the United States and delivers general knowledge of their vectors and the diseases they cause. Prevention and management of disease-causing Rickettsia species, mainly for vector control agencies and entities, are also discussed. This publication is written for audiences of all ages and with any educational background and serves as a resource for public education.