Florida Medical Entomology Lab

A Bromeliad-Inhabiting Mosquito Wyeomyia vanduzeei Dyar and Knab 1906 (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Catherine Lippi and Eva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

A Concise Guide on the Bionomics and Key Morphological Characteristics for Identifying Aedes pertinax (Grabham, 1906) – a Mosquito Species from the Neotropics Expanding in Geographic Range

Ana L. Romero-Weaver, Michael T. Riles, Kristin Sloyer, Yoosook Lee, Lindsay P. Campbell, and Bryan V. Giordano

Aedes pertinax is a non-invasive mosquito first described in Jamaica by Grabham in 1906. It is currently classified in the Protoculex Group. It was first identified in the U.S. in 2015; its current distribution is unknown because it is so difficult to differentiate it from other mosquito species that are morphologically similar. It has not been reported in association with humans or animal diseases, but Ae. Atlanticus, another mosquito in the Protoculex Group, is a vector of the Keystone virus and the West Nile virus, which have the potential to cause encephalitis and death. Moreover, Ae. serratus, once classified as synonym of Ae. pertinax, was reported infected with yellow fever in Brazil in 2008. Because Ae. pertinax may be a vector and because it has expanded its geographical range, it should be monitored closely. This publication provides a description of the species so that it can be identified and monitored.

A Concise Guide to the Bionomics and Key Morphological Characteristics for Identifying Culex coronator (Dyar and Knab, 1906)—an Invasive Mosquito Species from the Neotropics

Ana L. Romero-Weaver, Lawrence E. Reeves, Michael T. Riles, Yoosook Lee, and Bryan V. Giordano

Culex coronator Dyar and Knab is a highly invasive Neotropical species, first described at the beginning of the 20th century in Trinidad and Tobago. This is an important invasive species in Florida, that needs to be carefully surveilled by mosquito control experts. This publication is structured like those from Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU; https://www.wrbu.si.edu/) so that readers can obtain a similar level of detail to that offered through WRBU species pages, which are widely used by anyone interested in mosquito biology, research, and education.

A Mosquito Culex (Melanoconion) iolambdis Dyar (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Stephanie K. HIll, Erik M. Blosser, and C. Roxanne Connelly

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

A Mosquito Culex (Melanoconion) pilosus (Dyar and Knab) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Diana Vork and C. Roxanne Connelly

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

A Mosquito Culex erraticus (Dyar and Knab, 1906) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae: Culicini)

Mary Nordgulen, Nathan Burkett-Cadena, and Derrick Mathias

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

A Mosquito Psorophora ferox (Humboldt 1819) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Chris Holderman and C. Roxanne Connelly

This document provides an in-depth profile of the mosquito species Psorophora ferox, commonly known as the white-footed woods mosquito. Native to North and South America, this mosquito is prevalent in woodland environments with intermittent pools. While it is not a major vector for human pathogens, it is known for its persistent and painful bites. The article details the mosquito’s life cycle, distribution, and medical significance, highlighting its role in transmitting certain viruses in laboratory settings. Management recommendations include avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity and using EPA-registered repellents.

Asian Bush Mosquito, Asian Rock Pool Mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Catherine Lippi, Phillip Kaufman, and Eva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Asian Malaria Mosquito Anopheles stephensi Liston, 1901 (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Abdullah A. Alomar and Barry W. Alto

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Biting Midges, No-See-Ums Culicoides spp. (Insecta: Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

C. Roxanne Connelly

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Black-Tailed Mosquito Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Eva Buckner, Angelique Showman, and C. Roxanne Connelly

Bluetongue

Walter J. Tabachnick, Chelsea T. Smartt, and C. Roxanne Connelly

ENY-743 answers common questions about this viral disease of ruminant livestock transmitted by biting midges, the virus, clinical signs of bluetongue, economic impact, transmission, diagnosis, cure, distribution, presence in Florida, and prevention. Includes references.

Cattail Mosquito (suggested common name) Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae: Culicinae: Mansoniini)

Lethia R. Johnson, James P. Cuda, and Nathan Burkett-Cadena

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for Academic and General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Chagas Disease: A Review of Vector-Borne Transmission by Triatomine Bugs (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

Bethany R. Eutsey, Cameron J. Jack, Shelley A. Whitehead, and Eva A. Buckner

Chagas disease is a potentially fatal, chronic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite. It causes 6 to 8 million cases and 50,000 deaths each year. Humans and animals usually become infected with T. cruzi via triatomine bugs, also called kissing or conenose bugs, found only in the Americas. Disease transmitted by triatomine bugs generally occurs in rural areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America, but it is becoming more prevalent in non-endemic areas like the US as asymptomatic infected people move from rural to urban areas of Latin America and other regions.  In the US, approximately 300,000 people are currently infected with Chagas disease, 18,000 in Florida. Most if not all of them were infected elsewhere; local transmission of Chagas disease via triatomines in the US is rare. Awareness and understanding of Chagas disease are critical to detect and treat cases early. This publication is intended for anyone interested in learning more about Chagas disease.

Chikungunya

C. Roxanne Connelly, Christopher N. Mores, Chelsea T. Smartt, and Walter J. Tabachnick

Describes this mosquito-borne virus, what it is, its symptoms, how its transmitted to humans, where it occurs, risk to Floridians, and how it can be prevented. Includes references.

Container Mosquito Habitat Community Cleanup: A How-To Guide for Event Organization

Amy Hallock, Eva A. Buckner, Ricky W. Telg, and Alena R. Poulin

Being bitten by the container mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus means a higher risk of becoming infected with Zika, dengue, or chikungunya virus. Container mosquitoes develop in the water that collects in discarded tires, jars, cans, buckets, and boats. The best way to prevent irritating bites and dangerous mosquito-transmitted illnesses is to get rid of all trash that holds water. This fact sheet is packed with recommendations that will help you to successfully develop and host a cleanup event to reduce potential mosquito larval habitats in your community and keep yourself and your neighbors safe.

Crabhole Mosquito, Deinocerites cancer Theobald (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

George F. O'Meara

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Culex coronator (Dyar & Knab) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Sierra M. Schluep, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, Derrick K. Mathias, and Eva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Dengue and Dengue Virus in Florida

Yasmin V. Ortiz, Daniel W. Pérez-Ramos, Eric P. Caragata, and Panpim Thongsripong

This publication provides an overview of dengue fever, focusing on its epidemiological landscape in Florida. Dengue, caused by dengue virus and transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, is a major global health concern. Florida has experienced local dengue transmissions, and the incidence of dengue is increasing in the state. The biology and ecology of the primary vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, play  important roles in the disease's transmission cycle. No vaccine and no specific antiviral treatments are yet available, and diagnosis is difficult because dengue symptoms overlap with those of other, similar febrile illnesses. Prevention and control strategies, such as mosquito management, are therefore crucial to mitigate disease risks. Alongside urbanization, climate change, and globalization, incidence of dengue is increasing in Florida. Continued vigilance and research will help to combat this public health threat.

Ehrlichia and Anaplasma

Yuexun Tian, Cynthia C. Lord, and Eva A. Buckner

Ehrlichia and Anaplasma are bacteria that cause diseases, known as ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis, in humans and other animals. Ehrlichia and Anaplasma are primarily transmitted through the bites of infected hard ticks, such as the lone star tick, the blacklegged tick, and the American dog tick. This publication describes the various forms of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis and their tick vectors.

El Mosquito Culex iolambdis

Jorge R. Rey, Erik M. Blosser, Stephanie K. Hill and C. Roxanne Connelly

El Zika, un Virus Transmitido por Mosquitos

L. P. Lounibos, B. W. Alto, N. D. Burkett-Cadena, C. C. Lord, C. T. Smartt, and C. R. Connelly

Zika es un virus transmitido por mosquitos que se ha esparcido recientemente en regiones tropicales y ha causado epidemias, especialmente durante los últimos 8 o 9 años. En su ámbito nativo en África Occidental y Uganda, el virus se mantiene en los bosques, circulando entre mosquitos que viven en huecos de árboles y primates arbóreos; las infecciones de humanos se consideran incidentales y de poca importancia médica. Una cepa del virus que se implicó en brotes en Polinesia Francesa emergió en el Norte de Brasil en el 2015 y causó gran consternación debido a la alta incidencia de microcefalia en bebes nacidos de madres que fueron infectadas con el virus durante la gestación. Transmisión local, principalmente por el mosquito de la fiebre amarilla Aedes aegypti, ha sido documentada en la mayoría de los países tropicales de las Américas, pero aún no se ha detectado en Los Estados Unidos Continentales. Los síntomas de la infección incluyen, salpullido, dolor de cabeza, fiebre, dolor muscula

Elephant mosquito Toxorhynchites rutilus Coquillett, 1896 (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Abdullah A. Alomar and Barry W. Alto

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Fact Sheet: Mayaro Virus

Lawrence Reeves, Lindsay P. Campbell

Mayaro virus (MAYV) can be spread from mosquitoes to humans. The geographic distribution of Mayaro virus is expanding from South and Central America into the Caribbean Islands, which means that, under the right conditions, this virus could one day become important to Florida. This publication is intended to serve as a fact sheet communicating information about MAYV to researchers and stakeholders in mosquito control and public health professions and to the general public.

Fact Sheet: West Nile virus

Yasmin Tavares, Amely Bauer, Lawrence Reeves, and Lindsay Campbell

Introduced to the United States in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted from mosquitoes to humans and equines. With over 52,000 reported human infections, it is the most frequent cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Many mosquito species can transmit WNV, and many wildlife species can be infected with the virus and transmit it to biting mosquitoes, which makes identifying WNV's high risk areas or time periods complex. The US equine industry, domestic pets, and livestock are all at risk from harm from WNV. Many equine WNV epizootics have occurred since 1999, with more than 30,000 equine cases reported in the United States. Since WNV's introduction to Florida in 2001, infections have been reported in a total of 460 people and 757 equines. This publication provides information about WNV to the general public, researchers and stakeholders in mosquito control, and public health professionals.

Florida Container Mosquitoes

L. Philip Lounibos and Eva A. Buckner

Container mosquitoes inhabit small natural and artificial water-filled vessels during their immature stages. This publication lists and illustrates fifteen species of them, including two exotics that are the most important vector species of dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. It also describes available control measures, the best for homeowners being to eliminate aquatic habitat by draining standing water in containers near homes.

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

Eric P. Caragata, Yoosook Lee, and Eva A. Buckner

Genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes are controversial, partly because of misinformation. This publication provides science-based information about GM mosquitoes to the public and anyone involved in mosquito control. It explains what GM mosquitoes are and why they are being investigated as a tool for mosquito control. Describes a GM mosquito pilot project in Florida, and includes FAQs and answers explaining how GM mosquitoes are created and their potential impacts on people and the environment.

Human Bot Fly, Torsalo (Central America), Moyocuil (Mexico), Berne (Brasil), Mucha (Colombia, Mirunta (Peru), and Ura (Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay), Dermatobia hominis (Linnaeus, Jr.) (Insecta: Diptera: Oestridae)

C. Roxanne Connelly and Stephanie K. Hill

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Human Malaria

C. R. Connelly, J. K. Nayar, C.D. Morris, and R. H. Baker

Hurricanes and Mosquitoes

C. Roxanne Connelly

Keystone Virus: A Neglected Mosquito-Borne Arbovirus

Abdullah A. Alomar, Lawrence E. Reeves, and Barry W. Alto

Keystone virus (KEYV) is an emerging negative-sense single-stranded RNA arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) that can be transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito vector. This publication provides an overview of the KEYV distribution, potential vectors, transmission cycle, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention.

La Fiebre Chikungunya

Jorge R. Rey, C. Roxanne Connelly, Christopher N. Mores, Chelsea T. Smartt y Walter J. Tabachnick

Lyme Disease in Florida Horses

Cynthia C. Lord and C. Roxanne Connelly

Mosquito Repellents

C. Roxanne Rutledge and Jonathan F. Day

Mosquito-Borne Dog Heartworm Disease

J. K. Nayar and C. R. Connelly

Each year thousands of dogs become disabled or die from lung, heart, or circulatory problems caused by heartworm disease. Heartworm disease in dogs and related canines is caused by a filarial nematode (a large thread-like round worm), Dirofilaria immitis. The adult worms live in the right side of the heart in the right ventricle and adjacent blood vessels (pulmonary arteries). Because of their location, they are commonly called "dog heartworms."

Mosquito-Transmitted Highlands J Virus in Florida

C. Roxanne Connelly

Mosquitoes and Bromeliads

Ana L. Romero-Weaver, L. Philip Lounibos, and Eva A. Buckner

Water can collect in the central tanks or axils of bromeliads, and immature stages of mosquitoes sometimes inhabit these small pools. This article provides recommendations for environmentally acceptable ways to control the production of nuisance mosquitoes in  bromeliads; suggestions for planting species of bromeliads less likely to favor the production of mosquito-borne disease vectors; and general advice about personal protection against mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes and their Control: Integrated Pest Management for Mosquito Reduction around Homes and Neighborhoods

E. Buckner, C. R. Connelly, E. Bolles, D. Culbert, J. DeValerio, M. Donahoe, K. Gabel, R. Jordi, J. McLaughlin, A. S. Neal, S. Scalera, E. Toro, and J. Walter

No Common Name Aedes atlanticus (Dyar and Knab) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Andrew D. Trujillo, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, and Derrick Mathias

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Northern Frog Biting Mosquito Culex territans (Walker 1856) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Chanakya R. Bhosale, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, and Derrick Mathias

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Northern House Mosquito Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758 (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Abdullah A. Alomar, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, and Derrick K. Mathias

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Ornate Tree Hole Mosquito, Orthopodomyia signifera (Coquillett, 1896) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Leigh H. Ketelsen and Eva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. 

Protecting Florida Horses from Mosquitoes

Cynthia C. Lord and C. Roxanne Rutledge Connelly

This document discusses methods to protect horses in Florida from mosquito-borne diseases like Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile virus. It covers mosquito biology, breeding habits, and control strategies, including population reduction, stabling, premise sprays, traps, physical barriers, and topical insecticides or repellents. The document emphasizes the importance of reducing mosquito breeding sites around stables and using appropriate insecticides and repellents to protect horses from mosquito bites. Date first published: July 2001.

Rift Valley Fever Virus: A Zoonotic Vector-Borne Pathogen Affecting Human and Livestock Health

Abdullah A. Alomar, Lindsay P. Campbell, Derrick K. Mathias, and Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena

This publication summarizes the available information about the distribution, vectors, vertebrate hosts, transmission cycles, epidemiology, and control of Rift Valley fever virus.

Surveillance for Mosquito-Borne Viruses

C. Roxanne Connelly

The Florida SLE Mosquito, Culex (Culex) nigripalpus Theobald (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

J. F. Day

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Using Wolbachia Bacteria to Control Mosquitoes and Mosquito-Borne Disease

Leena A. Salama, Abdullah A. Alomar, Daniel W. Pérez-Ramos, and Eric P. Caragata

This publication is intended for both the general public and mosquito control professionals. It outlines the use of the bacterium Wolbachia pipientis as a tool to control mosquito populations and reduce the spread of mosquito-borne disease. Biting mosquitoes transmit many pathogens that cause deadly diseases in people, our pets, and our livestock. Collectively, malaria, dengue, West Nile, filariasis, and other mosquito-borne diseases result in millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. Effective vaccines for most of these have not been developed or are not yet available to the general public, and disease management is focused on controlling mosquito populations. Insecticides have become less effective over the past fifty years as mosquito populations all over the world have developed resistance. This has driven scientists to explore new options for controlling mosquitoes, including using the bacterium Wolbachia pipientis.

Vector-Borne Rickettsia Pathogens

Yuexun Tian, Phillip E. Kaufman, and Cynthia C. Lord

The genus Rickettsia contains species that are important in human health as they cause several serious diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This publication summarizes the human-disease-causing pathogens in the genus Rickettsia in the United States and delivers general knowledge of their vectors and the diseases they cause. Prevention and management of disease-causing Rickettsia species, mainly for vector control agencies and entities, are also discussed. This publication is written for audiences of all ages and with any educational background and serves as a resource for public education.

Zika, a Mosquito-Transmitted Virus

L. P. Lounibos, B. W. Alto, N. D. Burkett-Cadena, C. C. Lord, C. T. Smartt, C. R. Connelly, and J. R. Rey

Zika is a mosquito-transmitted virus that has spread broadly in tropical regions and caused epidemics. In 2015, Zika became a larger concern when a strain of the virus traced to outbreaks in French Polynesia emerged in northeastern Brazil. This strain provoked alarm because of increased incidence of microcephaly in babies born to Zika-infected mothers. This 7-page fact sheet describes the Zika microbe, its mosquito hosts, and the disease it causes. A history of the virus and its migration are included, along with some details about the virus in the state of Florida and preventative measures people can take to avoid infection. The best way to avoid contracting Zika (and other mosquito-borne diseases) is not to get bitten in the first place. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.