Gallinipper
Psorophora ciliata
This record describes Psorophora ciliata (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Florida Medical Entomology Lab - FMEL Adult: Very large mosquito, integument yellowish-brown, apices of tibiae and femora and some tarsomeres with broad, erect, black scales. Scutum with median stripe of golden-yellow scales, submedian stripe bare and shining. Larva: to 10 mm in length, antenna less than 1/2 as long as head, labral brushes widely separated, pecten teeth with hair-like apex. one of the largest mosquitoes in the U.S. Not known to vector any mosquito-borne pathogens.
Wikipedia reference for Psorophora ciliata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psorophora_ciliata.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae in temporary and permanent pools, with grassy or wooded margins, in association with other mosquito species.
Geographic Range
e. NA ( TX -FL-QC-NE) / south to Argentina
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Jun-Sept (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Psorophora ciliata is one of the few mosquito species whose larvae are predaceous to other mosquito larvae. Larvae: 2nd to 4th instar larvae predaceous on other mosquito larvae and aquatic invertebrates. First instar is typical filter-feeder. The larva is an active predator, chasing its prey. This is in contrast to Toxorhynchites larvae, which are ambush predators. Adults: Males and females feed on nectar, females said to seek bloodmeals from large mammals. Females bloodfeed day and night and are able to bite through heavy clothing. Psorophora ciliata female adults are primarily mammalian blood-feeders. An extensive study of Florida mosquitoes by Edman (1971) demonstrated that more than half of the blood meals detected from this species were from ruminants, and the rest from armadillos, raccoons, and rabbits. This mosquito will feed readily on humans and can be annoying in larger numbers (Howard et al. 1917). However, Wallis and Whitman (1971) conveyed that its status as a pest species may not be that important due to its relative rarity compared to other pest mosquito species.
Life History
Multivoltine in parts of their range, depending on rainfall. Overwinters as diapausing egg. Eggs can withstand desiccation.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The word gallinipper originated as a vernacular term in the southeastern US referring to 'a large mosquito or other insect that has a painful bite or sting' and has appeared in folk tales, traditional minstrel songs, and a blues song referencing a large mosquito with a 'fearsome bite' (McCann 2006). However, the Entomological Society of America has not recognized 'gallinipper' or 'shaggy-legged gallinipper' as an official common name for Psorophora ciliata (ESA 2012).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Psorophora ciliata. 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 Gallinipper (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , smccann27 , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Gallinipper
What is Gallinipper?
Gallinipper (Psorophora ciliata) is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Gallinipper?
Adult: Large mosquito! Winglength 6-6.5 mm, variable.
How do you identify Gallinipper?
Florida Medical Entomology Lab - FMEL Adult: Very large mosquito, integument yellowish-brown, apices of tibiae and femora and some tarsomeres with broad, erect, black scales. Scutum with median stripe of golden-yellow scales, submedian stripe bare and shining. Larva: to 10 mm in length, antenna less than 1/2 as long as head, labral brushes widely separated, pecten teeth with hair-like apex.
Where is Gallinipper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae in temporary and permanent pools, with grassy or wooded margins, in association with other mosquito species. |
| Range | e. NA ( TX -FL-QC-NE) / south to Argentina |
What does Gallinipper eat?
The diet of the Gallinipper includes Psorophora ciliata is one of the few mosquito species whose larvae are predaceous to other mosquito larvae. Larvae: 2nd to 4th instar larvae predaceous on other mosquito larvae and aquatic invertebrates. First instar is typical filter-feeder. The larva is an active predator, chasing its prey. This is in contrast to Toxorhynchites larvae, which are ambush predators. Adults: Males and females feed on nectar, females said to seek bloodmeals from large mammals. Females bloodfeed day and night and are able to bite through heavy clothing. Psorophora ciliata female adults are primarily mammalian blood-feeders. An extensive study of Florida mosquitoes by Edman (1971) demonstrated that more than half of the blood meals detected from this species were from ruminants, and the rest from armadillos, raccoons, and rabbits. This mosquito will feed readily on humans and can be annoying in larger numbers (Howard et al. 1917). However, Wallis and Whitman (1971) conveyed that its status as a pest species may not be that important due to its relative rarity compared to other pest mosquito species..
When is Gallinipper active?
Gallinipper: seasonal activity - mostly: Jun-Sept (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Gallinipper?
Multivoltine in parts of their range, depending on rainfall. Overwinters as diapausing egg. Eggs can withstand desiccation.