Culex salinarius
This record describes Culex salinarius (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
- reddish mosquito - FMEL - pale-tipped abdomen - FMEL Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory - FMEL
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae in fresh or brackish water with abundant emergent and decaying vegetation.
Geographic Range
NM-FL-NS-UT / Mex. , Distribution in Texas Most abundant along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the US
Seasonal Activity
Larval development of this species begins early in the season and continues at a rather uniform rate during the summer and early fall throughout most of its range. Larvae and adults can be found any time during the year in the extreme South.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females take blood from birds and mammals.
Life History
Similar in some respects to Culex pipiens . Multivoltine. Hibernates as mated female.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Culex salinarius Coquillet, 1904
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Culex salinarius. 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 Culex salinarius (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Omar Fahmy; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Culex salinarius
What is Culex salinarius?
Culex salinarius is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Culex salinarius?
- reddish mosquito - FMEL - pale-tipped abdomen - FMEL Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory - FMEL
Where is Culex salinarius found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae in fresh or brackish water with abundant emergent and decaying vegetation. |
| Range | NM-FL-NS-UT / Mex. , Distribution in Texas Most abundant along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the US |
What does Culex salinarius eat?
The diet of the Culex salinarius includes Females take blood from birds and mammals..
When is Culex salinarius active?
Culex salinarius: seasonal activity - Larval development of this species begins early in the season and continues at a rather uniform rate during the summer and early fall throughout most of its range. Larvae and adults can be found any time during the year in the extreme South..
What is the life cycle of a Culex salinarius?
Similar in some respects to Culex pipiens . Multivoltine. Hibernates as mated female.