Mosquito ID: Adults
Mosquito Identification: Adults
With the increasing importance of mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, identification becomes even more important than in the past. However, identification guides are difficult to come by. These pages offer a set of images and accompanying text produced by the Centers for Disease Control for the generic identification of mosquito adults. The images have been digitized by the Laboratory for Environmental Biology from slides originally produced by the CDC in the 1970s.
Users may view the slides and text online. Eventually, you will be able to access it as a PDF file.
The slide set is designed to be presented in a specific order to allow the building of the identification process: Slide 1. A link at the bottom of each page will advance you to the next slide. If,
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide0.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:11 AM
Mosquito ID: Adults
however, you wish to return directly to the section testing your knowledge, you may go to slide 67.
Last update: 17 Oct 2004
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide0.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:11 AM
Slide 1
Slide 1
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide1.htm10/17/2004 6:11:13 AM
Slide 2
Slide 2
Mosquitoes are insects belonging to the order Diptera - the true flies.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide2.htm10/17/2004 6:11:14 AM
Slide 3
Slide 3
Diptera are characterized by the presence of well developed fore wings. Hind wings are vestigial being represented by short, knobed halteres.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide3.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:14 AM
Slide 3
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide3.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:14 AM
Slide 4
Slide 4
Mosquitoes are included in the family Culicidae. The elongated proboscis extending forward from the head and presence of scales on the veins and borders of the wings distinguish mosquitoes from other true flies
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide4.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:15 AM
Slide 4
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide4.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:15 AM
Slide 5
Slide 5
The size of mosquitoes varies widely among different genera. Do not overlook those which seem to be "too large" or "too small" for mosquitoes.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide5.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:16 AM
Slide 5
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide5.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:16 AM
Slide 6
Slide 6
Genera of mosquitoes may be identified by observation of external characters under low power magnification.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide6.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:16 AM
Slide 6
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide6.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:16 AM
Slide 7
Slide 7
Genera of mosquitoes may be identified by observation of external characters under low power magnification.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide7.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:17 AM
Slide 7
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide7.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:17 AM
Slide 8
Slide 8
Extending forward from the head arc: the elongated proboscis, a pair of maxillary palpi, and a pair of antennae.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide8.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:18 AM
Slide 8
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide8.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:18 AM
Slide 9
Slide 9
The proboscis of the female, in all but one genus of mosquitoes, is adapted for piercing and sucking blood.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide9.htm10/17/2004 6:11:18 AM
Slide 10
Slide 10
In the one genus in which females do not suck blood, the proboscis is strongly curved downward.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide10.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:19 AM
Slide 10
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide10.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:19 AM
Slide 11
Slide 11
Maxillary palpi occur on either side of the proboscis. The palpi of female mosquitoes in all but one genus are very short; in that genus the palpi are about as long as the proboscis.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide11.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:20 AM
Slide 11
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide11.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:20 AM
Slide 12
Slide 12
Antennae are covered with whorls of hairs. Each antenna is composed of 15 segments. The first is inconspicuous and is usually disregarded. The second segment is a cup-like receptacle for the next. A whorl of hairs is located at the base of each of the last 13 segments. In one genus, the antennae are much longer than the
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide12.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:20 AM
Slide 12
proboscis. In the others, they are about the same length or shorter than the proboscis.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide12.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:20 AM
Slide 13
Slide 13
Sexes of mosquitoes are distinguished by the antennae. Those of the males are quite bushy. Female mosquitoes have slender, almost bare antennae by comparison. The identifying character described in this slide set apply only to female mosquitoes.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide13.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:21 AM
Slide 13
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide13.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:21 AM
Slide 14
Slide 14
Three main dlvlsions of the thorax are recognized: the prothorax to which the front legs are attached, the mesothorax bearing the wings and middle legs, and the metathorax bearing the hind legs and halteres.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide14.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:22 AM
Slide 14
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide14.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:22 AM
Slide 15
Slide 15
When examining the dorsal surface of the thorax these structures are seen in different perspective. The upper surface of the mesothorax is most prominent. It is composed of three parts, the largest and most anterior of which is the mesonotum or scutum.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide15.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:22 AM
Slide 15
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide15.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:22 AM
Slide 16
Slide 16
The narrow portion forming the posterior edge of the mesonotum is the scutellum. This structure is either tri-lobed or has an evenly rounded shape.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide16.htm10/17/2004 6:11:23 AM
Slide 17
Slide 17
Immediately behind the scutellum is the postnotum. This appears to be attached to the abdomen but actually is situated between sclerites of the metathorax and is part of the mesothorax.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide17.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:24 AM
Slide 17
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide17.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:24 AM
Slide 18
Slide 18
The thorax has many characters used in mosquito identification. Presence or absence, and arrangement, of hairs or bristles on the sides of the thorax are important taxonomic characters. The prespiracular bristles in front of the mesothoracic spiracle and the post-spiracular bristles behind it are especially important. The prespiracula bristles are sometimes called spiracula bristles.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide18.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:25 AM
Slide 18
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide18.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:25 AM
Slide 19
Slide 19
The color of scales on the thorax and the patterns formed by them are helpful in identifying some genera and species of mosquitoes.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide19.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:25 AM
Slide 19
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide19.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:25 AM
Slide 20
Slide 20
The abdomen of female mosquitoes has eight visible segments. The tip of the abdomen may be either pointed, or rounded and blunt. The paired cerci projecting beyond the last segment are part of the female terminalia, more noticeable in the pointed abdomens.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide20.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:26 AM
Slide 20
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide20.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:26 AM
Slide 21
Slide 21
Characters on wings and legs are important in identifying mosquitoes.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide21.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:27 AM
Slide 21
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide21.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:27 AM
Slide 22
Slide 22
Study the venation and nomenclature of the mosquito wing in the material given. Note that the veins and morg of the wings are covered by scales which sometimes form characteristic patterns. The longitudinal and cross-veins have specific names. In one genus, the second or subcostal wing vein has a row of bristles near its base on the ventral side.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide22.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:27 AM
Slide 22
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide22.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:27 AM
Slide 23
Slide 23
Mosquito legs are composed of five parts: the coxa, which is attached to the thorax; the trochanter; femur; tibia; and tarsus. The tarsus, or foot, consists of five segments. The relative size of the tarsal segments and the presence of long erect scales on the hind tibiae are sometimes used in identification.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide23.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:28 AM
Slide 23
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide23.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:28 AM
Slide 24
Slide 24
Learn all of these basic morphological characters well. Correct identification of mosquito genera depends upon thorough familiarity with them.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide24.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:29 AM
Slide 24
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide24.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:29 AM
Slide 25
Slide 25
Some genera of mosquitoes are easily determined by specific, outstanding characteristics.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide25.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:29 AM
Slide 25
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide25.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:29 AM
Slide 26
Slide 26
Females of the genus Anopheles, unlike all other genera of mosquitoes, have palpi as long as the proboscis. They also have an evenly rounded scutellum, a structure which is trilobed in most of the other genera.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide26.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:30 AM
Slide 26
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide26.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:30 AM
Slide 27
Slide 27
In life, the resting position of Anopheles is characteristic. Note that Anopheles rest with the head, thorax, and abdomen in a straight line. Other mosquitoes assume a position with the head at an angle to the rest of the body.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide27.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:31 AM
Slide 27
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide27.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:31 AM
Slide 28
Slide 28
Toxorhynchites has a very bizarre appearance. Members of this genus are larger and more brilliantly colored than any other mosquitoes.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide28.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:31 AM
Slide 28
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide28.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:31 AM
Slide 29
Slide 29
In this genus, mosquitoes have a proboscis which curves downward sharply, unlike all other mosquitoes.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide29.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:32 AM
Slide 29
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide29.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:32 AM
Slide 30
Slide 30
Uranotaenia, by contrast, are very small mosquitoes with bluish iridescent scales in rows or patches.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide30.htm10/17/2004 6:11:33 AM
Slide 31
Slide 31
Uranotaenia may be distinguished from all other genera of mosquitoes by the very short second marginal wing cell. Note that it: is less than half as long as its stem. Such a stem, or stalk, is called a petiole.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide31.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:33 AM
Slide 31
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide31.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:33 AM
Slide 32
Slide 32
Wyeomyia may be recognized by the tuft of hairs or setae on the postnotum.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide32.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:34 AM
Slide 32
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide32.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:34 AM
Slide 33
Slide 33
Another character useful in determining Wyeomyia is the longitudinal stripe on the side of the abdomen. This is formed where the dark dorsal scales meet the white ventral scales.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide33.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:35 AM
Slide 33
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide33.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:35 AM
Slide 34
Slide 34
The remaining eight mosquito genera may be divided into two groups on the basis of the shape of the tip of the abdomen.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide34.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:35 AM
Slide 34
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide34.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:35 AM
Slide 35
Slide 35
In two genera, Aedes and Psorophora, the tip of the abdomen is pointed. The remaining genera, which have blunt or rounded abdomens, are Orthopodomyia, Mansonia, Deinocerites, Culex, Culiseta, and Coquillettidia.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide35.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:36 AM
Slide 35
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide35.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:36 AM
Slide 36
Slide 36
Aedes and Psorophora, the genera with with pointed abdomens, may be distinguished from each other by the location of the bands or lateral patches of pale scales on the abdomen segments, and by the presence or absence of prespiracular bristles, not pointed out on the illustrations of these genera in this slide set.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide36.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:37 AM
Slide 36
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide36.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:37 AM
Slide 37
Slide 37
In the genus Aedes, a band or patch of pale scales occurs at the base or anterior end of the abdominal segment; also no prespiracular bristles are present.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide37.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:37 AM
Slide 37
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide37.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:37 AM
Slide 38
Slide 38
Abdominal segments of Psorophora have the bands or patches of pale scales located apically, or posteriorly; prespiracular bristles are present. In some members of this genus, the hind tibiae have long, erect scales.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide38.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:38 AM
Slide 38
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide38.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:38 AM
Slide 39
Slide 39
The other genera may be further divided into two groups. One group has comparatively broad, light and dark wing scales distributed over the entire wing. The other group usually has long narrow wing scales. But if the broad scales do occur on the outer part of the wing, they are all dark. In a few cases pale scales may be present on the
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide39.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:39 AM
Slide 39
anterior wing veins.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide39.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:39 AM
Slide 40
Slide 40
Note here that wing scales are quite broad. Mansonia, Orthopodomyia, and Coquillettidia have these broad varicolored wing scales.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide40.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:40 AM
Slide 40
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide40.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:40 AM
Slide 41
Slide 41
Orthopodomyia may be distinguished by the delicate lines on the mesonotum and the very short fourth tarsal segment on the front pair of legs.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide41.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:40 AM
Slide 41
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide41.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:40 AM
Slide 42
Slide 42
Coquillettidia has a white ring on the hind tibia and no postspiracular bristles.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide42.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:41 AM
Slide 42
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide42.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:41 AM
Slide 43
Slide 43
Mansonia, on the other hand, has no ring of pale scales on the hind tibia and post-spiracular bristles are present.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide43.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:42 AM
Slide 43
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide43.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:42 AM
Slide 44
Slide 44
The other three genera, Deinocerites, Culex, and Culiseta, have narrow wing scales.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide44.htm10/17/2004 6:11:42 AM
Slide 45
Slide 45
Deinocerites has antennal segments which are characteristic. Note that the second segment of the antenna is at least as long as the next two segments and the antennae are much longer than the proboscis.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide45.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:43 AM
Slide 45
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide45.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:43 AM
Slide 46
Slide 46
Culiseta may be distinguished from Culex mainly by the presence or absence of prespiracular bristles.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide46.htm10/17/2004 6:11:44 AM
Slide 47
Slide 47
Culiseta has prespiracular bristles. In all but two rare species, the cross veins arising from the 4th wing vein are separated by a distance less than the length of either cross vein, and the subcosta wing vein has a row of bristles basally on the ventral side, a character not shown in this slide set.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide47.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:44 AM
Slide 47
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide47.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:44 AM
Slide 48
Slide 48
Culex does not have prespiracular bristles. Note also that the cross veins arising from wing vein four are separated by a distance greater than the length of either cross vein; in addition, the subcosta wing vein does not have a row of bristles.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide48.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:45 AM
Slide 48
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide48.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:45 AM
Slide 49
Slide 49
We have seen that the 12 genera of mosquitoes can be identified by easily observed characters.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide49.htm10/17/2004 6:11:45 AM
Slide 50
Slide 50
Four genera, Anopheles, Toxorhynchites, Uranotaenia, and Wyeomyia may each be recognized by a single outstanding character not possessed by other genera of mosquitoes.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide50.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:46 AM
Slide 50
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide50.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:46 AM
Slide 51
Slide 51
Anopheles has palpi as long as the proboscis.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide51.htm10/17/2004 6:11:47 AM
Slide 52
Slide 52
Toxorhynchites has a long curved proboscis.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide52.htm10/17/2004 6:11:47 AM
Slide 53
Slide 53
In Uranotaenia, the second marginal cell of the wing is less than half long as its stem, or petiole.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide53.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:48 AM
Slide 53
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide53.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:48 AM
Slide 54
Slide 54
Wyeomyia has a hair tuft or setae on the postnotum.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide54.htm10/17/2004 6:11:49 AM
Slide 55
Slide 55
The other genera may be placed in one of two groups according to the shape of the tip of the abdomen. Aedes and Psorophora have pointed abdomens. Orthopodomyia, Mansonia, Deinocerites, Culex, Culiseta, and Coquillettidia have blunt abdomens.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide55.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:49 AM
Slide 55
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide55.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:49 AM
Slide 56
Slide 56
Aedes may be distinguished from Psorophora by location of white bands or lateral patches on the abdominal segments. In Aedes they are basal; in Psorophora they are apical. Don't forget that Aedes has no prespiracular bristles, while Psorophora does have them present.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide56.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:50 AM
Slide 56
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide56.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:50 AM
Slide 57
Slide 57
The genera with blunt abdomens may be further separated into two groups by using the size of wing scales. Orthopodomyia, Mansonia, and Coquillettidia have broad, light and dark wing scales. Deinocerites, and Culiseta usually have narrow wing scales.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide57.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:51 AM
Slide 57
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide57.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:51 AM
Slide 58
Slide 58
Orthopodomyia may be distinguished from Mansonia and Coquillettidia by the pattern on the mesonotum or scutum. Scales on the mesonotum of Orthopodomyia form a definite pattern of delicate white lines, while the dark and light scales on the mesonotums of Mansonia and Coquillettidia do not form a definite pattern.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide58.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:52 AM
Slide 58
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide58.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:52 AM
Slide 59
Slide 59
Deinocerites can be distinguished from Culex and Culiseta by the long second antennal segment and by the unusually long antennae. In the other genera the second segment is about a long as the third and the antennae are no longer than the proboscis.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide59.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:52 AM
Slide 59
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide59.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:52 AM
Slide 60
Slide 60
The last two genera, Culiseta and Culex may be differentiated by the presence or absence of prespiracular bristles. Culiseta has prespiracular bristles. Culex does not. In most species of Culiseta the cross veins arising from wing vein four are close together. In Culex they are widely separated. Likewise, Culiseta has a row of bristles on the subcosta wing vein and Culex does not.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide60.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:53 AM
Slide 60
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide60.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:53 AM
Slide 61
Slide 61
You will now have a chance to recall the distinguishing characters of the different genera. Remember that you must follow a definite procedure or the scheme of identification may not work accurately.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide61.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:54 AM
Slide 61
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide61.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:54 AM
Slide 62
Slide 62
Consider first if the mosquito belongs to one of the genera with a unique character. Anopheles, Toxorhynchites, Uranotaenia, or Wyeomyia.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide62.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:56 AM
Slide 62
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide62.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:56 AM
Slide 63
Slide 63
Next see if the tip of the abdomen is pointed or blunt.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide63.htm10/17/2004 6:11:56 AM
Slide 64
Slide 64
Two genera have abdomens pointed: Aedes and Psorophora. The remaining genera have blunt or rounded abdomens: Orthopodomyia, Mansonia, Deinocerites, Culex, Culiseta, and Coquillettidia.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide64.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:57 AM
Slide 64
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide64.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:57 AM
Slide 65
Slide 65
If the tip of the abdomen is blunt, then examine the wing scales.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide65.htm10/17/2004 6:11:58 AM
Slide 66
Slide 66
Remember, the genera with blunt abdomens can be separated into two groups by using the relative size of the wing scales. Orthopodomyia, Mansonia, and Coquillettidia have broad, pale and dark wing scales. Deinocerites, Culex, and Culiseta have all or most wing scales narrow.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide66.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:59 AM
Slide 66
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide66.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:11:59 AM
Slide 67
Slide 67
Now, the different genera of mosquitoes will be pictured on the following frames. Arrows indicate the diagnostic characters. Try to determine the genus before the answer is given.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide67.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:00 AM
Slide 67
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide67.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:00 AM
Slide 68
Slide 68
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide68.htm10/17/2004 6:12:01 AM
Slide 69
Slide 69
Toxorhynchites the only genus of mosquitoes with a curved proboscis.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide69.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:01 AM
Slide 69
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide69.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:01 AM
Slide 70
Slide 70
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide70.htm10/17/2004 6:12:02 AM
Slide 71
Slide 71
Aedes, the abdomen is pointed and the bands or lateral patches of pale-scales on abdominal segments arc basal in position. Remember in this genus prespiracular bristles are absent.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide71.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:03 AM
Slide 71
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide71.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:03 AM
Slide 72
Slide 72
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide72.htm10/17/2004 6:12:03 AM
Slide 73
Slide 73
Deinocerites, with blunt abdomen, the long second antennal segment permits easy identification.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide73.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:04 AM
Slide 73
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide73.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:04 AM
Slide 74
Slide 74
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide74.htm10/17/2004 6:12:05 AM
Slide 75
Slide 75
Coquillettidia belongs in the group with blunt abdomens and to the subgroup with broad wing scales. It is distinguished from its close relative by the white band on the hind tibia and absence of post-spiracular bristles.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide75.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:05 AM
Slide 75
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide75.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:05 AM
Slide 76
Slide 76
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide76.htm10/17/2004 6:12:06 AM
Slide 77
Slide 77
Wyeomyia, setae on the postnotum permits immediate identification. The longitudinal stripe on each side of the abdomen is also characteristic.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide77.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:07 AM
Slide 77
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide77.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:07 AM
Slide 78
Slide 78
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide78.htm10/17/2004 6:12:07 AM
Slide 79
Slide 79
Psorophora, the other mosquito with a pointed abdomen, is usually distinguished from Aedes by the apical white bands or patches on the abdominal segments and the presence of prespiracular bristles.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide79.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:08 AM
Slide 79
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide79.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:08 AM
Slide 80
Slide 80
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide80.htm10/17/2004 6:12:09 AM
Slide 81
Slide 81
Culex, blunt abdomen, narrow wing scales. The absence of prespiracular bristles separates this genus from Culiseta. Note the widely separated cross veins.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide81.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:09 AM
Slide 81
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide81.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:09 AM
Slide 82
Slide 82
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide82.htm10/17/2004 6:12:10 AM
Slide 83
Slide 83
Uranotaenia - the short second marginal cell of the wing distinguishes this genus from all others.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide83.htm10/17/2004 6:12:11 AM
Slide 84
Slide 84
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide84.htm10/17/2004 6:12:12 AM
Slide 85
Slide 85
Culiseta, abdomen blunt - wing scales narrow. The presence of prespiracular and subcostal wing vein bristles distinguish Culiseta from Culex. In most species the cross veins are close together.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide85.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:12 AM
Slide 85
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide85.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:12 AM
Slide 86
Slide 86
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide86.htm10/17/2004 6:12:13 AM
Slide 87
Slide 87
Orthopodomyia has a blunt abdomen and broad wing scales. The delicate lines on the mesonotum and the short fourth tarsal segment on the foreleg are characteristic.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide87.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:13 AM
Slide 87
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide87.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:13 AM
Slide 88
Slide 88
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide88.htm10/17/2004 6:12:14 AM
Slide 89
Slide 89
Anopheles - no other mosquitoes have palpi as long as the proboscis.
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide89.htm10/17/2004 6:12:15 AM
Slide 90
Slide 90
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide90.htm10/17/2004 6:12:15 AM
Slide 91
Slide 91
Mansonia also belongs to the group with blunt abdomens and to the subgroup with broad wing scales. It is distinguished from its close relative by having no subapical pale band on hind tibia and by the presence of postspiracular bristles.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide91.htm (1 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:16 AM
Slide 91
Next
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide91.htm (2 of 2)10/17/2004 6:12:16 AM
Slide 92
Slide 92
This is the end of the slide set.
file:///C|/mosquito%20web/adslide92.htm10/17/2004 6:12:17 AM