Ochlerotatus provocans
This record describes Ochlerotatus provocans (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larva: - antennae shorter than head, antennal seta 1-A multibranched - head hair 5 double or triple, head hair 6 usually single - siphon with more than four times the length of subapical spines - saddle incomplete, nearly touching ventral margin Female: - maxillary palpus entirely dark scaled - legs dark scaled - lateral margins of scutum covered with grayish white scales - postprocoxal scale patch present - hypostigmal area with pale scales - mesokatepisternum with scales extending to anterior angle
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae can be found in temporary woodland snowmelt pools and roadside ditches
Seasonal Activity
Adults: May-July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females prefer the blood of humans
Life History
- Overwinters as an egg - Univoltine
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ochlerotatus provocans. 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 provocans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Omar Fahmy
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochlerotatus provocans
What is Ochlerotatus provocans?
Ochlerotatus provocans is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Ochlerotatus provocans?
Larva: - antennae shorter than head, antennal seta 1-A multibranched - head hair 5 double or triple, head hair 6 usually single - siphon with more than four times the length of subapical spines - saddle incomplete, nearly touching ventral margin Female: - maxillary palpus entirely dark scaled - legs dark scaled - lateral margins of scutum covered with grayish white scales - postprocoxal scale patch present - hypostigmal area with pale scales - mesokatepisternum with scales extending to anterior angle
Where is Ochlerotatus provocans found?
Habitat: Larvae can be found in temporary woodland snowmelt pools and roadside ditches
What does Ochlerotatus provocans eat?
The diet of the Ochlerotatus provocans includes Females prefer the blood of humans.
When is Ochlerotatus provocans active?
Ochlerotatus provocans: seasonal activity - Adults: May-July.
What is the life cycle of a Ochlerotatus provocans?
- Overwinters as an egg - Univoltine