Culex quinquefasciatus | Mosquitoes

Types of Mosquitoes

There are about 200 kinds of mosquitoes in the U.S.; each has its own special characteristics and behaviors. Shown here are seven types that are likely to be the most common and important public health mosquito species in your area. Select a type of mosquito to learn more.

Culex
tarsalis

Aedes
sollicitans

Psorophora
columbiae

Aedes
vexans

Aedes
albopictus

Aedes
aegypti

Culex
quinquefasciatus

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Known as the "Southern House Mosquito" and is active in the evening, night and early morning.

PREFERS TO BREED IN POLLUTED WATER
And will breed in containers.

Flies about a mile from breeding site.

Prefers birds, but bites humans at night.

Carrier of West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.

Culex quinquefasciatus

Physical Characteristics of
Culex quinquefasciatus
Delicate, dull-brown mosquito lacking bands on tarsi and proboscis. Abdominal segments light underneath, lacking obvious distinguishing marks other than light M-shaped basal bands.

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Culex quinquefasciatus

Culex quinquefasciatus, the southern house mosquito is a stealthy biter that is active during evening, nighttime and early morning hours. It prefers polluted water for breeding and will breed in containers. It rarely flies more than a mile from its breeding site.

Although the house mosquito’s favored hosts are birds, it often enters homes through unscreened windows or open doors where it can bite sleeping humans. The house mosquito is thought to be the most important carrier of West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis, especially in the eastern U.S.