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White-footed Mosquito (Female)
Psorophora ferox
41.5833, -73.5093
Field Notes
Description:
White-footed Mosquito (Female) - Psorophora ferox
Total length: ~6 mm. The legs, wings, and abdominal segments have purple iridescent scales. Tarsal segments 4 and 5 are entirely pale scaled. These mosquitoes prefer mammalian blood.
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Female Psorophora ferox frequently bite people. Numerous viruses have been isolated from Psorophora ferox. However, the sylvatic nature of this species likely prevents it from being a major vector in transmitting pathogens to humans.
Habitat:
I found this mosquito sitting next to me on a chair on my deck. I was shocked to see it resting there! They usually attack fairly quickly, but this female was gravid, so she must have been sated for the moment.
Notes:
"Ferox" means: fierce, wild, bold, courageous, warlike, spirited, etc. It is definitely an appropriate name for this species as they inflict a very painful bite and they are so aggressive.
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