Taxonomists recognize more than 2,500 mosquito species in the world. The state of Minnesota serves as home to more than 50 of those mosquito species, which is likely the reason Minnesotans call the mosquito their unofficial state bird. Many of the mosquitoes are nothing more than nuisances. Some species in Minnesota are carriers of arboviral diseases such as West Nile virus, western equine encephalitis and LaCrosse encephalitis. Mosquitoes are also vectors for heartworm, which infects dogs and cats.
Culex tarsalis
This mosquito species is most responsible for West Nile virus cases diagnosed in Minnesota. It also serves as the vector for western equine encephalitis. Culex tarsalis is found in large numbers in western and central Minnesota. The main source of food for the female is birds. Humans and farm animals serve as secondary sources. August and September are the peak months for transmission of mosquito-borne disease from this species. The female Culex tarsalis mosquito hibernates during Minnesota winters.
Ochlerotatus triseriatus
Ochlerotatus triseriatus is also known as the eastern treehole mosquito. This species resides in forested and shady locations and places where discarded tires, cans and other containers collect water. Ochlerotatus triseriatus, formerly Aedes triseriatus, is the primary vector for LaCrosse encephalitis. The eggs are laid prior to the onset of winter, in locations where water will freeze, and hatch in the spring when the ice thaws.
Aedes vexans
This mosquito species is also called the inland floodwater mosquito. Aedes vexans is rarely a vector of West Nile virus, but the mosquito is best known as a nuisance biter. The female mosquito feeds upon farm animals and people, mostly in the evening hours but also sometimes in shaded spots during the day. During the winter the eggs survive until the spring thaw causes an area to be flooded. Each time the location where the eggs were laid is flooded, more eggs hatch.
Culex restuans
Researchers do not know whether Culex restuans females feed upon humans, but it is known their primary food source is birds. Culex restuans, or the white-spotted mosquito, is found most often in rural settings. During the day the mosquito shelters itself in dark corners. The female mosquito hibernates over winter in dark places such as barns or cellars with temperatures that do not fluctuate.
Culex pipiens
Culex pipiens is a smaller relative to Culex restuans. The female mosquito feeds at night on any animal, bird or human it can find. Because of this, any disease the mosquito is carrying can be hard to control. It is the most abundant mosquito species worldwide.
Tags: mosquito species, Culex restuans, Culex tarsalis, female mosquito, more than, Nile virus, Ochlerotatus triseriatus