Types of Mosquitoes & Mosquito Habitats

Anopheles quadrimaculatus can transmit malaria. They are found in southern and eastern states and some of the Midwest. They lay eggs in ponds or swamps in clear water. They are found in small bodies of freshwater pools and runoffs.

Anopheles punctipennis exists in almost every state. They are a permanent water mosquito but also breed in places like rain barrels, tree holes, and grassy bogs.

Anopheles walkeri are similar but may overwinter their eggs.

Anopheles freeborni can transmit malaria and live in the western part of the USA. Larvae of these types of mosquitoes develop in streams, irrigation canals, and rice fields.

Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) are common in the south, east, and midwest, these mosquitos are daytime feeders and the females may bite aggressively. They need a blood meal to hatch eggs. These mosquitos are white with silver stripes (which look like a tiger). Eggs are laid in clean standing water, like cavities of trees, flower pots, and birdbaths. They do not lay eggs in marshes or ditches. Their larvae are called "wrigglers" as they wriggle or swim through the water; afterward, they change into pupae. Adults emerge in 10-14 days after eggs are hatched. They can stay in the winter in egg states, then hatch out when covered with water during the spring and summer months. The Asian tiger mosquito has become common because it can breed in most any type of water-filled container. These mosquitoes have become a huge nuisance in many southern cities of the USA. They transmit more than 30 diseases, such as dengue, malaria, and encephalitis viruses (inflammation of the brain). They were first discovered in the USA in 1985 when introduced in imported tire casings.

Aedes canadensis (Woodland Pool mosquito) are common in woodlands in the northern USA.

Aedes aegypti (Yellow Fever mosquito) have been in the USA for centuries, with similar breeding and habitats to the Asian tiger mosquitoes. The Asian tiger mosquito has been replaced by much of its population but is still common in some regions.

Aedes solicitans (Saltwater mosquitoes) breed in salt marshes on the mid- and North Atlantic coast. They swarm and migrate as far as ten miles at night and bite aggressively. They can transfer Eastern equine encephalitis to people and horses.

Aedes taeniorhynchus (Saltwater mosquitoes) are found along the Atlantic and California coasts, breeding in salt marshes. They bite fiercely during the day and produce a larger number of mosquitoes throughout the summer months.

Aedes nigromaculis (Irrigated Pasture mosquito) is found in the western plains, as far south as Mexico, breeds in floodwaters and irrigated areas, spreads encephalitis, and bites aggressively.

Aedes vexans (Floodwater/ Rainpool Mosquitoes) are the most widespread floodwater mosquitoes. They’re found mainly in the northern states. They breed in floodwater, hog wallows, rain pools, roadside puddles, and other temporary bodies of freshwater. The larvae and pupae stages take 7-34 days. This mosquito can cause heartworm in dogs. They can fly up to ten miles, bite at dawn or dusk, and are not affected by the winter months.

Aedes triseriatus (Eastern Tree-hole mosquito) are common mosquitoes that breed in tree holes and containers. They are mainly found in the eastern United States, but some are in the west as far as Montana. They are blue/black with silver/white scales. They are very common in wooded areas. They carry the LaCrosse fever vector.

Aedes trivittatus (Plains Floodwater mosquitoes) are common west of Idaho in the northern states but have been found in the southern states. Their larvae breed in flooded pools in the woodlands. The mature larvae spend time at the bottom of concealed vegetation. Adults will be active in the evening and rest during the day.

Culex nigripalpus prefers the warm Florida temperatures; they have caused St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis virus. They are common in stagnant waters and citrus groves. They have a preference for biting rodents and birds but will bite humans. They breed heavily after a lot of rainfall or floods in the summer and fall months.

Culex salinarius, a permanent water type of mosquito, breeds in saltwater and freshwater habitats near the Gulf Coast and Atlantic coasts. They can fly as far as eight miles from their breeding site. Larvae live in cattail bogs, salt marshes, and roadside ditches.

Culex tarsalis are mostly found in the west. They survive in winter by hibernating. The larvae live in ditches, ponds, cesspools, irrigation ditches, etc. They are a principal carrier of encephalitis, both the St. Louis encephalitis and the western equine encephalitis. When these mosquitoes feed on infected birds, horses, or humans, it can be transmitted. They lay their eggs in ditches, ground pools, hoofprints, barrels, ornamental ponds, and basins. Adults can travel up to one mile from breeding areas.

Culex pipiens L., common in the northern states. They are found in standing water that is polluted. Typical breeding areas are old tires with water, birdbaths, clogged gutters, and storm drains.

Culex restuans, a permanent water mosquito that prefers to breed in foul water with decaying vegetation. They are similar to the Culex pipiens but found more in the central and eastern states, east of the Rocky Mountains.

Psorophora ciliata (Fabricius) are giant mosquitoes and vicious biters. The adults are yellow/brown in color with hairy/shaggy legs. Their larvae feed on other insect larvae. The adults may emerge in as little as five days after hatching. They bite day and night. They are known as "gallinippers." They range in the eastern USA, from the southern border of Texas to Maine, and is very common in the Midwest

Psorophora howardii are very similar to the Psorophora ciliata but can be found in the western states as well as the eastern states.

Psorophora confinnis (Psorophora columbiae) are medium- to large-sized dark-colored mosquitoes. Their eggs do not require a dormant winter period; they hatch out whenever they get wet. They produce several generations a year, with adults flying as much as 10 miles from their hatch sites. They are commonly found in rice fields and the Everglades. They are found in the southern states and as far north as Massachusetts and Nebraska. This type is the most widespread of the Psorophora genus. As aggressive mosquitoes, they can kill livestock.