Ochlerotatus hendersoni
This record describes Ochlerotatus hendersoni (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larva: - Antennae half as long as head - Antennal seta 1-A single, 5 single, 6 with three or four branches - Comb scales in an irregular or single row - Siphon with one pair of seta, siphonal tuft with three branches - Incomplete saddle, ventral brush with five pairs of setae Adult Female: - Proboscis dark - Scutum with median stripe of dark brown scales with silver scales laterally - Setae on on anterior portion of scutum well developed - Dark unbanded legs - Wing scales dark and narrow
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae are found in water filled rot holes in the forest canopy
Seasonal Activity
Adults: June-August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females prefer blood from mammals
Life History
- Overwinters as an egg - Multivoltine
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ochlerotatus hendersoni. 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 hendersoni (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Omar Fahmy; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochlerotatus hendersoni
What is Ochlerotatus hendersoni?
Ochlerotatus hendersoni is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Ochlerotatus hendersoni?
Larva: - Antennae half as long as head - Antennal seta 1-A single, 5 single, 6 with three or four branches - Comb scales in an irregular or single row - Siphon with one pair of seta, siphonal tuft with three branches - Incomplete saddle, ventral brush with five pairs of setae Adult Female: - Proboscis dark - Scutum with median stripe of dark brown scales with silver scales laterally - Setae on on anterior portion of scutum well developed - Dark unbanded legs - Wing scales dark and narrow
Where is Ochlerotatus hendersoni found?
Habitat: Larvae are found in water filled rot holes in the forest canopy
What does Ochlerotatus hendersoni eat?
The diet of the Ochlerotatus hendersoni includes Females prefer blood from mammals.
When is Ochlerotatus hendersoni active?
Ochlerotatus hendersoni: seasonal activity - Adults: June-August.
What is the life cycle of a Ochlerotatus hendersoni?
- Overwinters as an egg - Multivoltine