Culex territans
This record describes Culex territans (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult female: Scutum with middorsal acrostichal setae, occiput with narrow apressed scales, Abdominal tergites II-VII with apical bands or patches of whitish scales, extending basally across 1/2 of tergum on lateral sides of terga IV-VI, palpi 2 times length of flagellomere 4, wing cell R2 3.0 times length of vein R2+3. Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory Has been found infected with West Nile Virus, but it is unknown whether it plays a role in natural transmission cycles.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Vegetation choked marshes, ditches, containers. Seems to be associated with Duckweed ( Lemna spp.)
Geographic Range
Most of N. Amer., except Arizona, New Mexico, Newfoundland
Seasonal Activity
Flies May-Novemember
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts are usually ectotherms (cold-blooded), amphibians reptiles etc. Conflicting reports describe mammalian feeding.
Life History
Females overwinter as mated adults, emerging in spring to bloodfeed.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Culex territans Walker, 1856
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Culex territans. 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 territans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Sean McCann; Additional contributions by Omar Fahmy , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Culex territans
What is Culex territans?
Culex territans is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Culex territans?
Adult female: Scutum with middorsal acrostichal setae, occiput with narrow apressed scales, Abdominal tergites II-VII with apical bands or patches of whitish scales, extending basally across 1/2 of tergum on lateral sides of terga IV-VI, palpi 2 times length of flagellomere 4, wing cell R2 3.0 times length of vein R2+3. Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory
Where is Culex territans found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Vegetation choked marshes, ditches, containers. Seems to be associated with Duckweed ( Lemna spp.) |
| Range | Most of N. Amer., except Arizona, New Mexico, Newfoundland |
What does Culex territans eat?
The diet of the Culex territans includes Hosts are usually ectotherms (cold-blooded), amphibians reptiles etc. Conflicting reports describe mammalian feeding..
When is Culex territans active?
Culex territans: seasonal activity - Flies May-Novemember.
What is the life cycle of a Culex territans?
Females overwinter as mated adults, emerging in spring to bloodfeed.