Ochlerotatus atropalpus
This record describes Ochlerotatus atropalpus (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larva: The antennae are half as long as the head, antennal setae 1-A double or triple and head hairs 5 and 6 are single. Siphon with only one pair of setae and siphonal setae are inserted wihin pecten teeth. Saddle incomplere and reduced. Adult Female: Apical and basal bands on the legs. Basal portion of costa on the wing with a patch of white scales. Scutum has a broad dark brown stripe.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae can be found in natural and artificial containers. The preferred place are rock pools along moving streams.
Seasonal Activity
Larvae: May - November Adults: August - September
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females prefer the blood of mammals.
Life History
Overwinters as an egg and is multivoltine.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ochlerotatus atropalpus. 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 Ochlerotatus atropalpus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Omar Fahmy
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochlerotatus atropalpus
What is Ochlerotatus atropalpus?
Ochlerotatus atropalpus is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Ochlerotatus atropalpus?
Larva: The antennae are half as long as the head, antennal setae 1-A double or triple and head hairs 5 and 6 are single. Siphon with only one pair of setae and siphonal setae are inserted wihin pecten teeth. Saddle incomplere and reduced. Adult Female: Apical and basal bands on the legs. Basal portion of costa on the wing with a patch of white scales. Scutum has a broad dark brown stripe.
Where is Ochlerotatus atropalpus found?
Habitat: Larvae can be found in natural and artificial containers. The preferred place are rock pools along moving streams.
What does Ochlerotatus atropalpus eat?
The diet of the Ochlerotatus atropalpus includes Females prefer the blood of mammals..
When is Ochlerotatus atropalpus active?
Ochlerotatus atropalpus: seasonal activity - Larvae: May - November Adults: August - September.
What is the life cycle of a Ochlerotatus atropalpus?
Overwinters as an egg and is multivoltine.