Culiseta inornata
This record describes Culiseta inornata (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larvae: - antennal seta 1-A multiple, attached near the middle of the shaft - head hairs 5 and 6 multibranched - comb scale rounded apically - siphon with an even row of single setae attached distally to pecten teeth - saddle complete - anal segment seta 1 as long as or longer than saddle Adult Female: - proboscis long and weakly recurved - abdominal terga dark brown with yellowish-white basal bands widening lateraly to width of the segment - hindtarsomeres intermixed with light and dark scales - costa, subcosta, and radius intermixed with light and drk scales
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae live in temporary and semi permanent woodland pools, marshes and edges of ponds
Geographic Range
throughout US & w. Canada , evenly dist. through Texas
Seasonal Activity
Adults found year round
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females prefer mammals, rarely humans
Life History
- Overwinters as an adult female - Multivoltine
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Culiseta inornata. 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 Culiseta inornata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Sean McCann; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Omar Fahmy , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Culiseta inornata
What is Culiseta inornata?
Culiseta inornata is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Culiseta inornata?
Larvae: - antennal seta 1-A multiple, attached near the middle of the shaft - head hairs 5 and 6 multibranched - comb scale rounded apically - siphon with an even row of single setae attached distally to pecten teeth - saddle complete - anal segment seta 1 as long as or longer than saddle Adult Female: - proboscis long and weakly recurved - abdominal terga dark brown with yellowish-white basal bands widening lateraly to width of the segment - hindtarsomeres intermixed with light and dark scales - costa, subcosta, and radius intermixed with light and drk scales
Where is Culiseta inornata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae live in temporary and semi permanent woodland pools, marshes and edges of ponds |
| Range | throughout US & w. Canada , evenly dist. through Texas |
What does Culiseta inornata eat?
The diet of the Culiseta inornata includes Females prefer mammals, rarely humans.
When is Culiseta inornata active?
Culiseta inornata: seasonal activity - Adults found year round.
What is the life cycle of a Culiseta inornata?
- Overwinters as an adult female - Multivoltine