Culiseta melanura
This record describes Culiseta melanura (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larva: - antennal seta 1-A multibranched and extends beyond tip of the shaft - head hair 5 multiple, smooth and head hair 6 single - siphon six to seven times as long as wide as it is at the base - anal saddle complete Adult: - proboscis weakly recurved - scutum with dark brown or golden scales - abdominal terga either all dark or with narrow basal bands on some segments This mosquito is the one responsible for keeping eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) sustained in the environment. By biting from bird to bird it transfers the virus around and when a mosquito comes that bites both humans and birds the virus is transferred from bird to human through the mosquito.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Tree root cavities in maple and cedar swamps
Seasonal Activity
Larvae: All year Adults: May - December
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Female almost always feeds on birds for blood.
Life History
Overwinters as a larva. Multivoltine
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Culiseta melanura. 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 melanura (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Omar Fahmy; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Culiseta melanura
What is Culiseta melanura?
Culiseta melanura is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Culiseta melanura?
Larva: - antennal seta 1-A multibranched and extends beyond tip of the shaft - head hair 5 multiple, smooth and head hair 6 single - siphon six to seven times as long as wide as it is at the base - anal saddle complete Adult: - proboscis weakly recurved - scutum with dark brown or golden scales - abdominal terga either all dark or with narrow basal bands on some segments
Where is Culiseta melanura found?
Habitat: Tree root cavities in maple and cedar swamps
What does Culiseta melanura eat?
The diet of the Culiseta melanura includes Female almost always feeds on birds for blood..
When is Culiseta melanura active?
Culiseta melanura: seasonal activity - Larvae: All year Adults: May - December.
What is the life cycle of a Culiseta melanura?
Overwinters as a larva. Multivoltine