Most Common Mosquito Genus and Species In The US

There are 41 genera of mosquitoes and about 3500 species, of which about 176 are found in the US.

Mosquitoes are thought to have been on Earth for more than 100 million years. Researchers and scientists have spent many hours studying, breeding, catching, and then grouping them into genera and species.

The Dangers of Mosquitoes

You might ask, why spend all this time and effort categorizing mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes can be considered the most deadly animal on Earth, with many hundreds of thousands of deaths every year and several diseases provoked by mosquito bites.

So getting to know the habits of each kind of mosquito can be considered very important. This might enable scientists to figure out the best ways of eliminating or controlling a particular species, hence protecting the population.

You will find more statistics at Statista.

There are about 12 types of mosquitoes that spread disease or make us sick in the US. The others are just a nuisance. When you see a mosquito, you won’t know if it is dangerous or not. Better to be on the safe side and protect yourself.

Mosquito genus and species in the US

Aedes

Aedes is a genus of mosquitoes that were originally found in tropical and subtropical regions but has now spread to all around the world excepting the Antarctic.

Aedes aegypti

Is a small dark mosquito that can be recognized by white markings on its legs and upper thorax.

This species of mosquito, like artificial or natural water containers near human habitations. For example, blocked gutters, old tires, dishes under potted plants, or buckets. They have also been found in underground water, such as unsealed septic tanks, storm drains, or wells.

The eggs can survive long dry spells. They wait until there is rain or flooding before they hatch.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have produced a map showing the estimated range of the aegypti mosquito in the US.

The Aedes aegypti is most active for a couple of hours after sunrise and just before sunset. It can continue to bite throughout the night, especially in well-lit areas. Although this mosquito seems to prefer humans, it can also bite animals.

The diseases transmitted by the Aegypti include dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika.

Aedes albopictus

Also known as the Asian Tiger mosquito, the Aedes Albopictushas has spread into many countries worldwide due to the transportation of goods. A small mosquito recognized by the black and white stripe on its body and legs.

A small mosquito recognized by the black and white stripe on its body and legs.

The Asian Tiger lays its eggs in artificial containers similar to the Aegypti and also in natural habitats.

Its primary biting time is early morning and late afternoon. Feeds mainly on mammals, including humans.

The Aedes Albopictus transmit several diseases, including the dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. It has also been found to be infected with the following viruses: West Nile, Eastern equine encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis and can also transmit dog heartworm parasites.

It has spread into most southern states in the US, as you can see from the map produced by the CDC.

Aedes sanadensis

This mosquito is common in states east of the Mississippi and along the Atlantic coast just to north Florida. The eggs can survive winter and hatch in the early spring. It favors wooded habitats and doesn’t venture far to find its prey. A day-biting mosquito, it can carry West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, and dog heartworm.

Aedes sollicitans

This mosquito is also known as the Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquito and is typically found in coastal areas just a few miles inland from the coast. A native of the east coast from Canada all the way down to the Bahamas.

The eggs are laid in the salt marshes in depressions that dry out between spring tides. The eggs hatch when the depressions are flooded by following spring tides. The Sollicitans feed mainly just before sunset but can feed at any time of day if a host comes near.

This mosquito carries Eastern equine encephalitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, and dog heartworm.

Aedes vexans

A species that is found almost worldwide. They lay their eggs on damp soil above the waterline; after drying, the eggs hatch when there is heavy rain, and the water level rises.

These mosquitoes have been found as far as 15 miles from their birthplace but usually will only travel as far as necessary to find food and water.

The females bite in the evening and night, preferring larger mammals and humans if present. The Aedes Vexans are known to be vectors of West Nile virus and dog heartworm.

Anopheles

A genus of mosquitoes with more than 430 species, of which about 30 – 40 can transmit malaria. They used to spread malaria in the US before it was eradicated in the 1950s. There are still isolated malaria cases in the US, but most cases are imported by people returning from malaria-endemic countries.

Anopheles quadrimaculatus and Anopheles freeborni were the primary vectors of malaria in the United States. Apart from malaria, some species of Anopheles mosquito can transmit the heartworm parasite. This can be very dangerous to dogs and cats.

Anopheles can be easily identified by their resting position; their stomach is pointed upwards. Unlike other genera who keep their bodies parallel to the surface they are resting on.

The female anopheles feed on large mammals, such as cattle, and some species in Africa seem to prefer humans, making them very efficient malaria vectors.

The Anopheles mosquitoes generally bite at night and are most active just after dusk and before dawn.

Females lay eggs individually on the water’s surface; the eggs have floats to keep them on the surface until they hatch. Eggs can be laid in streams, ponds, roadside ditches, or lakes.

Anopheles quadrimaculatus

This dark brown mosquito is found in central and eastern USA. The Quadrimaculatus is the most important species regarding malaria transmission in the US.

Their preferred breeding ground seems to be clean water, such as permanent freshwater pools, ponds, and swamps that contain aquatic vegetation or floating debris. During the day, the mosquitoes rest sheltering in caves, buildings, or anywhere cool and humid.

Anopheles freeborni

These mosquitos are found around the west coast and used to be a malaria vector in the US. They seem to prefer clear water and pools that have some sunlight during the day but also have vegetation. When resting, they will find a shaded, cool place but seem to prefer to be outdoors.

The Freeborni will readily enter habitations and bites both humans and animals. They are mainly active at dusk and during the night but might bite occasionally during a cloudy day or if a human is in a shaded area.

Culex

The Culex genera count nearly 1000 species. They are found worldwide except in the northern region of the temperate zone, with more than 30 found in the US.

The adults who are active at dusk or during the night are vectors for several diseases – arbovirus infections, West Nile virus, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and avian malaria.

Culex pipiens (the Common House Mosquito or Northern House Mosquito)

Lives in the temperate regions of the northern and southern hemispheres, the Culex Pipiens is the most common mosquito in urban areas. Breeds in dirty, polluted water in small containers, septic tanks, or ditches.

The Culex Pipiens and the Culex Quinquefasciatus are known to mate between 36°N and 39°N, producing a hybrid subspecies, the Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus.

The Common House Mosquito feeds on birds and mammals, including humans. As its hosts are often birds, it’s difficult to contain the spread of diseases.

Culex quinquefasciatus (the Southern House Mosquito and was known earlier as Culex fatigans)

A medium-sized mosquito about 4mm long, with a brown body, is found in the southern USA.

Lays egg in rafts and breeds in dirty water such as stagnant drains, septic tanks, and almost all organic polluted water collections.

These mosquitoes feed on mammals and birds throughout the night.

Culiseta

Culiseta genera mosquitoes are adapted to cooler climates and only appear in warmer climates in the cool parts of the year or otherwise at higher altitudes where it’s cooler.

They are dark or brown, quite large mosquitoes, and lay their eggs on the surface of stagnant pools of rainwater. Certain species of this mosquito have a strange life cycle, in that they overwinter as larvae as opposed to being adults.

These mosquitoes seem to prefer animals and birds to humans and are responsible for spreading Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

The most common species of this mosquito found in the US is the Culiseta inornata. They are found from sea level to over 10,000 feet in altitude and the larvae are even found in salt marshes. They are known as the “winter mosquito” and will hibernate in the north but, in the milder south, will stay active.

Coquillettidia

This genus of mosquitoes comprises 57 species, of which the best known is Coquillettidia perturbans. They exist throughout the US although they are more prevalent in the south. These mosquitoes are mostly found in areas of dense vegetation, that have warm summers and a high level of humidity.

They lay their eggs in the form of a raft. When hatched the larva rest beneath the surface of the water, they pierce a hole in an aquatic plant to breathe.

They bite mostly in the evening and at night but they will also bite during the day if you go near their resting place. This mosquito is known as a vector of West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalomyelitis.

Ochlerotatus

Used to be a subgenus of Aedes until 2000 when they became two distinct genera. There are many different species found in the US and they are known vectors of several diseases notably  West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus, and dog heartworm.

Some of these mosquitoes might still be included in the Aedes genus.

Psorophora

The Psorophora genus contains 50 species, of which 13 are found in the US. The adult mosquitoes range in size from small to very large. These are floodwater mosquitoes, the females lay their eggs on the soil and they can dry out for many months and then hatch when the habitat is inundated with flood waters.

Most species of these mosquitoes bite at crepuscule and in the night.

Psorophora ciliata

Is a large mosquito that is known as the “gallinipper” due to its aggressive biting. They are found in the eastern US.

The larvae are much larger than most and will prey on other mosquito larvae and even tadpoles.

The females bite large mammals including humans and are most active in spring or summer.

Psorophora columbiae

Often referred to as the “Black Rice Field Mosquito,” it’s a medium-sized mosquito recognizable from its dark brown or black color and white or yellow markings.

The columbiae is found from Florida to New York with scattered populations across the US. The greatest numbers are located in the rice-growing areas of the southwest. There are reports that in large numbers they can kill livestock. The mosquito is a vector of Venezuelan equine encephalitis and anaplasmosis in cattle.

Psorophora ferox

Commonly known as the “White-footed Woods Mosquito” or the “White-footed Mosquito.” It is easily recognized by the white segments on the legs. A medium-sized mosquito that prefers wet wooded areas and lays its eggs in temporary woodland pools.

Found in southeastern parts of the US.

The females prefer blood from mammals and are aggressive biters. Will bite in the day or night.

The Psorophora ferox is known to carry several diseases such as Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus or West Nile Virus but is considered to be a minor vector.

There are a few other genera and many other mosquito species found in the United States today. With the changes in climate, we are likely to find more tropical species invading the temperate zones, and mosquitoes that prefer cooler climates may disappear from these zones.

This may provide public health problems, altering the ranges of known current diseases and perhaps importing new diseases as is the case recently with Zika.

Mosquitoes can be a major health concern no matter where you live. Their bites can cause allergic reactions and spread diseases to humans and animals. Therefore, you need to take precautions when you’re outdoors. Eliminate any standing water, use an insect repellent such as DEET, wear long-sleeve shirts and trousers, and install traps or repellent devices.