Ochlerotatus campestris
This record describes Ochlerotatus campestris (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
predominantly yellow and brown with indistinct pale basal and apical tarsal bands Adult Female: proboscis and palps black-scaled, pale scales intermixed basally; scutum blonde with a broad brownish median stripe and lateral stripes, narrowing at mid-length; abdominal tergites II-V with paired lateral patches of black scales, surrounded by pale scales; scales of tergites VI and VII all pale; most tarsomeres with basal and apical silvery-white bands but segments 4 and 5 of fore and 5 of mid tarsi all dark, and 5 of hind tarsi mainly white; most wing veins with white and brown scales evenly intermixed Larva: head seta 5-C with two or three branches; seta 6-C usually single; seta 7-C with eight or more branches; mesothoracic seta l-M two- or three-branched and as long as head seta 5-C; dorsolateral abdominal setae 1-III to I-VII reduced, much less than half as long as lateral abdominal setae of same segments; pecten teeth occupying basal half of siphon, the distal teeth usually more widely spaced than the basal teeth, but occasionally being uniformly spaced; siphon about three times as long as maximum width; saddle reduced, barely covering upper half of anal segment; anal papillae bud-like, usually shorter than saddle, occasionally longer females bite when disturbed at any time of day
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
alkaline pools, rich in organic matter; flooded grasslands
Geographic Range
North America, from Alaska and Oregon east to Manitoba, Michigan, and Texas; also the coasts of Hudson Bay and James Bay
Diet and Behavior
Life History
univoltine (one generation per year) in the north; multivoltine in the south overwinters as an egg
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: campestris : Latin - "of fields" referring to its open grassland habitat
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ochlerotatus campestris. 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 campestris (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochlerotatus campestris
What is Ochlerotatus campestris?
Ochlerotatus campestris is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Ochlerotatus campestris?
wing length 4.3-5 mm
How do you identify Ochlerotatus campestris?
predominantly yellow and brown with indistinct pale basal and apical tarsal bands Adult Female: proboscis and palps black-scaled, pale scales intermixed basally; scutum blonde with a broad brownish median stripe and lateral stripes, narrowing at mid-length; abdominal tergites II-V with paired lateral patches of black scales, surrounded by pale scales; scales of tergites VI and VII all pale; most tarsomeres with basal and apical silvery-white bands but segments 4 and 5 of fore and 5 of mid tarsi all dark, and 5 of hind tarsi mainly white; most wing veins with white and brown scales evenly intermixed Larva: head seta 5-C with two or three branches; seta 6-C usually single; seta 7-C with eight or more branches; mesothoracic seta l-M two- or three-branched and as long as head seta 5-C; dorsolateral abdominal setae 1-III to I-VII reduced, much less than half as long as lateral abdominal setae of same segments; pecten teeth occupying basal half of siphon, the distal teeth usually more widely spaced than the basal teeth, but occasionally being uniformly spaced; siphon about three times as long as maximum width; saddle reduced, barely covering upper half of anal segment; anal papillae bud-like, usually shorter than saddle, occasionally longer
Where is Ochlerotatus campestris found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | alkaline pools, rich in organic matter; flooded grasslands |
| Range | North America, from Alaska and Oregon east to Manitoba, Michigan, and Texas; also the coasts of Hudson Bay and James Bay |
What is the life cycle of a Ochlerotatus campestris?
univoltine (one generation per year) in the north; multivoltine in the south overwinters as an egg