Anopheles walkeri
This record describes Anopheles walkeri (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larva: Head hairs 5,6, and 7 are long multibranched and plumose. The lateral setae on the abdominal segments IV-VI are not plumose. Adult Female: Proboscis dark scaled and palpi have pale apical rings. Scutum is dark brown with golden brown setae. The abdomen can vary from dark brown to tan. Legs are dark scaled with pale apical scales at the femur and tibia. Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae live in marshes and edges of ponds with emerging vegetation
Geographic Range
TX-FL-NS-MB / Mex
Seasonal Activity
June to October
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females prefer mammals for blood
Life History
It is the only Anopheles in the Northeastern US that overwinters as an egg. This is a multivoltine species. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anopheles walkeri Theobald, 1901
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anopheles walkeri. 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 walkeri (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Omar Fahmy , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Anopheles walkeri
What is Anopheles walkeri?
Anopheles walkeri is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Anopheles walkeri?
Larva: Head hairs 5,6, and 7 are long multibranched and plumose. The lateral setae on the abdominal segments IV-VI are not plumose. Adult Female: Proboscis dark scaled and palpi have pale apical rings. Scutum is dark brown with golden brown setae. The abdomen can vary from dark brown to tan. Legs are dark scaled with pale apical scales at the femur and tibia. Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory
Where is Anopheles walkeri found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae live in marshes and edges of ponds with emerging vegetation |
| Range | TX-FL-NS-MB / Mex |
What does Anopheles walkeri eat?
The diet of the Anopheles walkeri includes Females prefer mammals for blood.
When is Anopheles walkeri active?
Anopheles walkeri: seasonal activity - June to October.
What is the life cycle of a Anopheles walkeri?
It is the only Anopheles in the Northeastern US that overwinters as an egg. This is a multivoltine species. ( 3 )