Ochlerotatus togoi
This record describes Ochlerotatus togoi (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males have the palps only 3/4 as long as proboscis. Scutum with lyre-shaped pattern of golden scales. Introduced from Japan, likely after the 2nd World War. The taxonomy is uncertain. Darsie and Ward place it in Ochlerotatus , Reinert et al. in a new genus Tanakaius . I have placed it in Ochlerotatus , but this is only provisional.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Splash zone pools on rocky coast.
Geographic Range
Puget Sound, South Vancouver Island, Vancouver area.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Seems to overwinter as larva, potentially also egg stage. Multivoltine.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ochlerotatus togoi. 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 togoi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Sean McCann
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochlerotatus togoi
What is Ochlerotatus togoi?
Ochlerotatus togoi is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Ochlerotatus togoi?
Males have the palps only 3/4 as long as proboscis. Scutum with lyre-shaped pattern of golden scales.
Where is Ochlerotatus togoi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Splash zone pools on rocky coast. |
| Range | Puget Sound, South Vancouver Island, Vancouver area. |
What is the life cycle of a Ochlerotatus togoi?
Seems to overwinter as larva, potentially also egg stage. Multivoltine.