Psorophora howardii
This record describes Psorophora howardii (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult female: Wings entirely dark scaled, femora without subapical pale bands, apices of hindfemora and tibiae with long erect scales, tibiae otherwise with recumbent yellow and purple scales, tarsi primarily dark-scaled with purplish reflection, scutum with median longitudinal stripe of dark brown scales, lateral areas with broad appressed white scales Large distinctive mosquito. Lacks golden stripe medially on scutum, otherwise somewhat similar to Psorophora ciliata .
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In temporary pools
Geographic Range
Southern New England west to Kansas, Oklahoma south to Texas and Florida
Seasonal Activity
March-October
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae predaceous on other mosquitoes, Adults bloodfeeders.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Psorophora howardii Coquillett 1901
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Psorophora howardii. 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 Psorophora howardii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by smccann27 , Omar Fahmy , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Psorophora howardii
What is Psorophora howardii?
Psorophora howardii is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Psorophora howardii?
very large, >1cm
How do you identify Psorophora howardii?
Adult female: Wings entirely dark scaled, femora without subapical pale bands, apices of hindfemora and tibiae with long erect scales, tibiae otherwise with recumbent yellow and purple scales, tarsi primarily dark-scaled with purplish reflection, scutum with median longitudinal stripe of dark brown scales, lateral areas with broad appressed white scales
Where is Psorophora howardii found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In temporary pools |
| Range | Southern New England west to Kansas, Oklahoma south to Texas and Florida |
What does Psorophora howardii eat?
The diet of the Psorophora howardii includes Larvae predaceous on other mosquitoes, Adults bloodfeeders..
When is Psorophora howardii active?
Psorophora howardii: seasonal activity - March-October.