Dark-Tailed Mosquito Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

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.