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Mosquito

Culex sp.

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15.5503, 120.816

Field Notes

Description:

Culex mosquitoes are the main vector for Japanese B – Encephalitis. They prefer dark color and are long distance fliers.

I'm looking for something new for new year and this is the first one I saw. Googled for something nice to say and I'm quoting fron net source "As part of their useful role, the larvae of mosquitoes live in water and provide food for fish and other wildlife, including larger larvae of other species such as dragonflies. The larvae themselves eat microscopic organic matter in the water, helping to recycle it. Adult mosquitoes make up part of the diet of some insect-eating animals, such as birds, bats, adult dragonflies and spiders. They also help pollinate some flowers, when they consume nectar." - http://www.mosquitoreviews.com/mosquitoes-ecosystem.html

Habitat:

Urban garden.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)

Also, I wanted to mention that your second shot in particular provides a fantastic look at her internal organs. She's partly gravid (part of the bloodmeal is digested and she's starting to produce some eggs). Also, that white worm-like structure is the malpighian tubules, which are a crucial component of the excretory system and important for homeostasis. Interestingly, research is being done to investigate the possibility of developing insecticides that could target components of the malpighian tubules .
Beautiful shots! This is definitely not Aedes aegypti though. Judging from its coloring, posture, and lack of a pointed abdomen, it may be Culex species. I'm not familiar with the species in your area to give an exact ID though.
Photographed
PublishedJanuary 1, 2018

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