Text Box: House Mosquitoes, Culex spp. Text Box: This group of mosquitoes lay eggs in rafts on the surface of stagnant water and include the primary vectors of West Nile Virus Text Box: Malaria Mosquitoes, Anopheles spp. Text Box: These mosquitoes were responsible for transmitting malarial disease to people living in the eastern United States, prior to the malaria eradication project of the early 1950’s. Text Box: Asian Bush Mosquito, Ochlerotatus japonicus Text Box: First detected in Kentucky in 2003. We are trying to learn more about this mosquito’s whereabouts in the Bluegrass state. Text Box: Cattail Mosquito, Coquillettidia perturbans Text Box: This species gets its common name by using airspaces in cattail shoots (called arenchyma tissue) to breath underwater as a larvae. Text Box: Gallinipper Mosquitoes, Psorophora spp. Text Box: These are typically very large mosquitoes capable of inflicting very painful bites. Text Box: A Tree-hole Mosquito, Orthopodomyia signifera Text Box: A small, yet interesting mosquito that over winters as larvae, frozen in tree holes. Text Box: Pitcher Plant Mosquito, Wyomyia smithii Text Box: Primary vector of the hemorrhagic illness, yellow fever in the tropic and subtropics. In 2001, the World Health Organization estimated that the fever causes 200,000 illnesses every year in unvaccinated populations. Text Box: Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes aegypti Text Box: The larvae of this mosquito has an amazing life history. The ability to survive in the water held inside pitcher plants, which normally digest insects. Click here for a link to learn more. (Rutgers University) Photo: Univ. New Brunswick, Biology, Heard Text Box: Various woodland Mosquitoes, Ochlerotatus spp. Text Box: This common group of mosquitoes are regarded mainly as nuisance species. However, some are responsible in transmission of diseases including LaCrosse Encephalitis. Text Box: Salt Marsh Mosquitoes, Ochlerotatus solicitans (and others) Text Box: Although these mosquitoes are most common along coastal areas, they occasionally are found in Kentucky, where they can find pools of water with higher salt concentrations, such as along roadsides, to breed. Text Box: Culiseta inornata Text Box: A fairly large, yet uncommon species that often has a slightly bent proboscis. Feeds on mammals, yet not readily on humans.

Common Mosquitoes Found in Kentucky

Kentucky is known to be home to about sixty different species of mosquitoes, at least two species of sand flies, a handful of tick species, and a number of additional biting flies.  This list of biting insects found in the state is not fully complete, but gives a general overview to the diversity of potential disease vectors found throughout the state. 

*All photos (unless otherwise cited) are property of Logan Minter. Please contact for usage permission.

Text Box: Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus Text Box: Introduced into the United States in 1985. They are aggressive human biters and the primary vector for canine heartworm. Text Box: Uranotaenia saphirina Text Box: Very small, attractive looking mosquito. Patches of iridescent blue scales give it a jewel-like appearance. Text Box: Predatory Mosquito, Toxorhynchites rutilus septentrionalis Text Box: The larvae of this mosquito are predacious and eat other mosquitoes. The adults are harmless and feed on nectar. Text Box: Floodwater Mosquito, Aedes vexans Text Box: A floodwater species, found in a variety of pools and depressions in open areas. Vicious human biters, often traveling considerable distance from their breeding sites. Text Box: Mosquitoes: Practical Advice for Homeowners *Note: This link will take you away from the lab website