Anopheles punctipennis
This record describes Anopheles punctipennis (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult Female: wing pattern is all you need for identification. Very distinctive wings with predominantly dark scales and cream colored scales in the costal and subcostal areas. Larva: head hairs 5, 6, 7 are long, multibranched and plumose. Head hairs 8 and 9 usually with 5 to 7 branches. Lateral setae on abdominal segments IV-VI are not plumose. Listed by the CDC as producing WNV positives a vector of endemic malaria parasites in North American white-tailed deer ( 6 ) , and historically a vector of introduced human malaria parasites in North America ( 7 )
Wikipedia reference for Anopheles punctipennis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anopheles_punctipennis.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adult females overwinter in abandoned buildings, cellars, caves, hollow trees, and similar habitats. ( 3 ) Larvae are usually found in semi-permanent and permanent ponds, margins of slow moving streams, rain-water barrels and other artificial containers. ( 5 )
Geographic Range
e. US to Rocky Mtns, w. coast / Mex. , dist. map for TX
Seasonal Activity
Adults: All year, but reach their greatest abundance in early Spring and late Fall Larvae: May - September
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females prefer mammals and birds for blood meals.
Life History
This is a multivoltine species (multiple generations per year). Click on an image to view the life cycle:
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anopheles punctipennis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Anopheles punctipennis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Omar Fahmy; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , Wisconsin Oecanthinancy
Frequently Asked Questions About Anopheles punctipennis
What is Anopheles punctipennis?
Anopheles punctipennis is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Anopheles punctipennis?
Adult Female: wing pattern is all you need for identification. Very distinctive wings with predominantly dark scales and cream colored scales in the costal and subcostal areas. Larva: head hairs 5, 6, 7 are long, multibranched and plumose. Head hairs 8 and 9 usually with 5 to 7 branches. Lateral setae on abdominal segments IV-VI are not plumose.
Where is Anopheles punctipennis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adult females overwinter in abandoned buildings, cellars, caves, hollow trees, and similar habitats. ( 3 ) Larvae are usually found in semi-permanent and permanent ponds, margins of slow moving streams, rain-water barrels and other artificial containers. ( 5 ) |
| Range | e. US to Rocky Mtns, w. coast / Mex. , dist. map for TX |
What does Anopheles punctipennis eat?
The diet of the Anopheles punctipennis includes Females prefer mammals and birds for blood meals..
When is Anopheles punctipennis active?
Anopheles punctipennis: seasonal activity - Adults: All year, but reach their greatest abundance in early Spring and late Fall Larvae: May - September.
What is the life cycle of a Anopheles punctipennis?
This is a multivoltine species (multiple generations per year). Click on an image to view the life cycle: