Ochlerotatus fitchii
This record describes Ochlerotatus fitchii (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The proboscis is unbanded with mivxed dark brown and yellow sclaes. Scutum has a broad reddish brown strip in the middle and yellowish scales laterally. Also has pale basal bands on the hind tarsomeres. *To differenciate between Oc. excrucians and this mosqutio, the foreclaw must be examined. Although this mosquito bites mammals and birds which make it a perfect vector for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis no viruses have been isolated from it.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The larvae live in temporary and semi-permanent woodland pools, marshes and grassy ditches.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are typically found from May to August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females prefers blood of birds and mammals.
Life History
This mosquito overwinters as an egg. It is a one generation per year mosquito (univoltine)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ochlerotatus fitchii. 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 fitchii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Omar Fahmy
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochlerotatus fitchii
What is Ochlerotatus fitchii?
Ochlerotatus fitchii is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Ochlerotatus fitchii?
The proboscis is unbanded with mivxed dark brown and yellow sclaes. Scutum has a broad reddish brown strip in the middle and yellowish scales laterally. Also has pale basal bands on the hind tarsomeres. *To differenciate between Oc. excrucians and this mosqutio, the foreclaw must be examined.
Where is Ochlerotatus fitchii found?
Habitat: The larvae live in temporary and semi-permanent woodland pools, marshes and grassy ditches.
What does Ochlerotatus fitchii eat?
The diet of the Ochlerotatus fitchii includes Females prefers blood of birds and mammals..
When is Ochlerotatus fitchii active?
Ochlerotatus fitchii: seasonal activity - Adults are typically found from May to August.
What is the life cycle of a Ochlerotatus fitchii?
This mosquito overwinters as an egg. It is a one generation per year mosquito (univoltine)