Ochlerotatus excrucians
This record describes Ochlerotatus excrucians (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: proboscis unbanded; each hind tarsomere with broad pale basal band; abdomen black with narrow pale basal band on each segment; wings with intermixed pale scales; northern individuals are larger and darker than southern ones ( see image from U. of Saskatchewan) transmits dog heartworm disease in some areas of the northern United States
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
in southern part of range (e.g. New Jersey), larvae are most common in snow-melt pools with heavy leaf litter in forested areas farther north (e.g. Saskatchewan) larvae are usually found in semipermanent ponds and marshes
Geographic Range
northern third of United States plus most of Canada and Alaska
Seasonal Activity
adults present from May to August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adult females prefer to feed on mammals and birds
Life History
univoltine (one generation per year); overwinters as an egg
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ochlerotatus excrucians. 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 excrucians (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochlerotatus excrucians
What is Ochlerotatus excrucians?
Ochlerotatus excrucians is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Ochlerotatus excrucians?
Adult: proboscis unbanded; each hind tarsomere with broad pale basal band; abdomen black with narrow pale basal band on each segment; wings with intermixed pale scales; northern individuals are larger and darker than southern ones ( see image from U. of Saskatchewan)
Where is Ochlerotatus excrucians found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in southern part of range (e.g. New Jersey), larvae are most common in snow-melt pools with heavy leaf litter in forested areas farther north (e.g. Saskatchewan) larvae are usually found in semipermanent ponds and marshes |
| Range | northern third of United States plus most of Canada and Alaska |
What does Ochlerotatus excrucians eat?
The diet of the Ochlerotatus excrucians includes adult females prefer to feed on mammals and birds.
When is Ochlerotatus excrucians active?
Ochlerotatus excrucians: seasonal activity - adults present from May to August.
What is the life cycle of a Ochlerotatus excrucians?
univoltine (one generation per year); overwinters as an egg