Ochlerotatus canadensis
This record describes Ochlerotatus canadensis (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larvae: - Antennae half as long as head - Antennal seta 1-A with four or more branches. - lateral setae on abdominal segments 1 and 2 are double - Siphon with one pair of setae - Incomplete saddle Adult Female: - Proboscis dark scaled - Wings comlpletely dark scaled - Hindtarsomere with pale apical and basal bands (bands on both ends of the leg segment)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae live in temporary woodland pools
Seasonal Activity
Larvae: March - June, September - October Adults: May - October
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females feed on the blood of about anything that has blood including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Life History
- Overwinters as an egg - Univoltine with some exceptions
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ochlerotatus canadensis. 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 canadensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by cotinis , Omar Fahmy
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochlerotatus canadensis
What is Ochlerotatus canadensis?
Ochlerotatus canadensis is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Ochlerotatus canadensis?
Larvae: - Antennae half as long as head - Antennal seta 1-A with four or more branches. - lateral setae on abdominal segments 1 and 2 are double - Siphon with one pair of setae - Incomplete saddle Adult Female: - Proboscis dark scaled - Wings comlpletely dark scaled - Hindtarsomere with pale apical and basal bands (bands on both ends of the leg segment)
Where is Ochlerotatus canadensis found?
Habitat: Larvae live in temporary woodland pools
What does Ochlerotatus canadensis eat?
The diet of the Ochlerotatus canadensis includes Females feed on the blood of about anything that has blood including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians..
When is Ochlerotatus canadensis active?
Ochlerotatus canadensis: seasonal activity - Larvae: March - June, September - October Adults: May - October.
What is the life cycle of a Ochlerotatus canadensis?
- Overwinters as an egg - Univoltine with some exceptions