Species: Aedes spencerii

DIAGNOSIS: Tarsal segments not banded. Postprocoxal membrane with scales. Wing veins R2, R3, M and A with light coloured scales. Other veins covered by predominantly dark scales. Abdomen with a basal band of light scales and a median pale stripe. BIOLOGY: Overwinters as eggs. Larvae found in ditches and temporary ponds resulting from snow melt. First adults emerge early in the spring and can be annoying pests by mid May. Further emergences may occur as the result of more eggs being inundated by summer and fall rains. Egg development is arrested by diapause so the eggs do not hatch until the following year.

References:

Wood, D.M., P.T. Dang, and R.A. Ellis. 1979. The mosquitoes of Canada. The Insects and Arachnids of Canada. Part 6. Biosystematics Research Institute. Agriculture Canada Ottawa, Ontario.

Rempel, J.G. 1953. The mosquitoes of Saskatchewan. Can.J. Zool. 31:433-509.