Ochlerotatus communis
This record describes Ochlerotatus communis (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larvae: - Antenna shorter than head with coarse spinules - Antennal seta 1-A with four or more branches - Mesothoracis seta 1-M much shorter than antenna - Comb scale fringed apically with 4 to 7 subequal spinules Adult Female: - Side of thorax with cream-colored scales with golden brown scales on scutum - Scutellar and supraalar setae brownish-black - Mesokatepisternum with scales extened to near anterior angle - Lower mesepimeron with setae
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Vernal (snowmmelt) pools in coniferous forests
Seasonal Activity
Larvae: March-May Adults: May-June
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females prefer blood of mammals
Life History
- Overwinters as egg - Univoltine
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ochlerotatus communis. 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 communis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Omar Fahmy; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochlerotatus communis
What is Ochlerotatus communis?
Ochlerotatus communis is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Ochlerotatus communis?
Larvae: - Antenna shorter than head with coarse spinules - Antennal seta 1-A with four or more branches - Mesothoracis seta 1-M much shorter than antenna - Comb scale fringed apically with 4 to 7 subequal spinules Adult Female: - Side of thorax with cream-colored scales with golden brown scales on scutum - Scutellar and supraalar setae brownish-black - Mesokatepisternum with scales extened to near anterior angle - Lower mesepimeron with setae
Where is Ochlerotatus communis found?
Habitat: Vernal (snowmmelt) pools in coniferous forests
What does Ochlerotatus communis eat?
The diet of the Ochlerotatus communis includes Females prefer blood of mammals.
When is Ochlerotatus communis active?
Ochlerotatus communis: seasonal activity - Larvae: March-May Adults: May-June.
What is the life cycle of a Ochlerotatus communis?
- Overwinters as egg - Univoltine