Mosquitoes

Stephanie Hill and C. Roxanne Connelly

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.

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.

Leslie M. Rios 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.

Sabrina A. White and Phillip E. Kaufman

Anopheles gambiae Giles is commonly called the African malaria mosquito because it is the most efficient vector of human malaria in the Afrotropical Region. They are considered to be one of the world’s most important human malaria vectors because of their susceptibility to the Plasmodium parasite, their preference for humans as a host, and their indoor-feeding behavior. Due to their short development time and their preference for developmental habitats near human dwellings, Anopheles gambiae are considered effective vectors of human malaria, as well as lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)

Miles T. McCollum, Nathan Burkett-Cadena, andDerrick 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.

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. 

Diana Rojas-Araya, Derrick Mathias, 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.

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.

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.

Sarah Maestas andLawrence E. Reeves

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.

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.

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.

Bryna C. Wilson andNathan 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.

Leslie Rios and James E. Maruniak

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, Nathan Burkett-Cadena, andDerrick 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.

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.

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.

Catherine M. Zettel Nalen andPhillip E. Kaufman
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

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.

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.

Kristin E. Sloyer and Nathan D. 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.

Abram E. Estrada, Estelle M. Martin, and Jason L. Williams

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.

Sergio Méndez-Cardona, Barry W. Alto, andNathan 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.

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.