White-dotted Mosquito
Culex restuans
This record describes Culex restuans (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
- scutum copper-colored, sometimes with 2 pale spots (as seen here) - thorax sides have patches of pale scales - abdomen has white basal bands, legs dark Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory Larva: Siphon with three or more long, single, irregularly placed setae. The antennae are uniform in shape. Adult Female: Scutum mostly golden brown and most easily recognized by a pair of pale spots. Abdominal terga have broad apical bands. A comment by Omar on an image posted by me (Tony T) as a Culex restuans with reference to the pale spots generated this comment: I can see how those can be tricky But the two spots are usually not a good way to differentiate a restuans because sometimes they are not present . My emphasis. Note also that C. territans has similar pale spots on the thorax. Thus it appears that pale thoracic spots are of only limited use in identifying a C. restuans .
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae are found in natural and artificial containers. Larvae are also tolerant of polluted waters. The larvae are found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, such as ditches, pools in streams, woodland pools, and artificial containers.
Geographic Range
CA-FL-NB-BC / Mex.
Seasonal Activity
The species reaches its greatest abundance in the spring and early summer throughout most of its range, and occurs in lesser numbers during late summer and autumn. The larvae and adults may be found throughout the year in the extreme South.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females prefer the blood of birds.
Life History
Adult females overwinter in well-protected areas. This is a multivoltine species.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Culex restuans Theobald, 1901
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Culex restuans. 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 White-dotted Mosquito (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Omar Fahmy; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About White-dotted Mosquito
What is White-dotted Mosquito?
White-dotted Mosquito (Culex restuans) is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify White-dotted Mosquito?
- scutum copper-colored, sometimes with 2 pale spots (as seen here) - thorax sides have patches of pale scales - abdomen has white basal bands, legs dark Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory Larva: Siphon with three or more long, single, irregularly placed setae. The antennae are uniform in shape. Adult Female: Scutum mostly golden brown and most easily recognized by a pair of pale spots. Abdominal terga have broad apical bands. A comment by Omar on an image posted by me (Tony T) as a Culex restuans with reference to the pale spots generated this comment: I can see how those can be tricky But the two spots are usually not a good way to differentiate a restuans because sometimes they are not present . My emphasis. Note also that C. territans has similar pale spots on the thorax. Thus it appears that pale thoracic spots are of only limited use in identifying a C. restuans .
Where is White-dotted Mosquito found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae are found in natural and artificial containers. Larvae are also tolerant of polluted waters. The larvae are found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, such as ditches, pools in streams, woodland pools, and artificial containers. |
| Range | CA-FL-NB-BC / Mex. |
What does White-dotted Mosquito eat?
The diet of the White-dotted Mosquito includes Females prefer the blood of birds..
When is White-dotted Mosquito active?
White-dotted Mosquito: seasonal activity - The species reaches its greatest abundance in the spring and early summer throughout most of its range, and occurs in lesser numbers during late summer and autumn. The larvae and adults may be found throughout the year in the extreme South..
What is the life cycle of a White-dotted Mosquito?
Adult females overwinter in well-protected areas. This is a multivoltine species.