Species: Culex tarsalis

DIAGNOSIS: Hind tarsal segments with apical and basal bands of pale scales. The proboscis with a broad median band of pale scales. Third and fourth palpal segments with pale scales. Abdominal segments with a basal band of pale scales. The remainder of each segment is dark scaled. Wing predominantly dark scaled except for a few pale scales at the base of the costa and some on the subcosta. BIOLOGY: Usually larvae are found in permanent and semimpermanent ponds. But they can be found in temporary ponds and even hoof prints in midsummer. The female is the overwintering stage. They survive in caves, burrows or rock piles. Females feed on birds but will also attack mammals. It is also a vector of Western equine encephalitis.

References:

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

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.