North American Malaria Mosquito
Anopheles quadrimaculatus
This record describes Anopheles quadrimaculatus (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larva: - Siphon absent - Head hairs 8 and 9 are usually with 8 to 10 branches - Lateral setae on the 4th, 5th, and 6th segments are not plumose - Four distinct dark spots on the wings Adult Female: - Proboscis dark scaled - Scutum is brown with fine yellowish setae - Abdominal terga are tan to dark brown - Apices of femur and tibia are pale - Four distinct dark spots on the wings Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory This species is the primary vector of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum , the causitve agents of malaria in North America. West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis have also been isolated from it. Transmission of St. Louis Encephalitis has been obtained with this species in laboratory experiments, and An. quadrimaculatus has also been found to be an excellent host for Dirofilaria immitis , the causitive agent of dog heartworm disease.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae can be found in marshes, ponds, and margins of shallow streams. The larvae are found in permanent fresh water in sluggish streams, canals, ponds, and lakes containing surface-growing or emergent vegetation or floating debris, and only occasionally in pools of a temporary nature.
Geographic Range
e. NA (TX-FL-ME-SD / ON-QC / Mex) , Distribution in Texas
Seasonal Activity
Larvae: July-September Adults: All Year
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females prefer mammals for blood meals.
Life History
Adult females overwinter in abandoned buildings, caves, hollow trees or animal burrows. Multivoltine (multiple generations per year).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Called An. quadrimaculatus because of the four (quad) dark spots of scales on each wing.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anopheles quadrimaculatus. 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 North American Malaria Mosquito (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Omar Fahmy , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About North American Malaria Mosquito
What is North American Malaria Mosquito?
North American Malaria Mosquito (Anopheles quadrimaculatus) is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify North American Malaria Mosquito?
Larva: - Siphon absent - Head hairs 8 and 9 are usually with 8 to 10 branches - Lateral setae on the 4th, 5th, and 6th segments are not plumose - Four distinct dark spots on the wings Adult Female: - Proboscis dark scaled - Scutum is brown with fine yellowish setae - Abdominal terga are tan to dark brown - Apices of femur and tibia are pale - Four distinct dark spots on the wings Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory
Where is North American Malaria Mosquito found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae can be found in marshes, ponds, and margins of shallow streams. The larvae are found in permanent fresh water in sluggish streams, canals, ponds, and lakes containing surface-growing or emergent vegetation or floating debris, and only occasionally in pools of a temporary nature. |
| Range | e. NA (TX-FL-ME-SD / ON-QC / Mex) , Distribution in Texas |
What does North American Malaria Mosquito eat?
The diet of the North American Malaria Mosquito includes Females prefer mammals for blood meals..
When is North American Malaria Mosquito active?
North American Malaria Mosquito: seasonal activity - Larvae: July-September Adults: All Year.
What is the life cycle of a North American Malaria Mosquito?
Adult females overwinter in abandoned buildings, caves, hollow trees or animal burrows. Multivoltine (multiple generations per year).