toxo

The larvae of Toxorhynchites rutilus septentrionalis are actually beneficial insects for mosquito control because they actually eat other mosquitoes! Note that the lateral mouth brushes are modified for grasping prey (you can even see some smaller mosquitoes being eaten in the pictures above). Larvae are usually found in water filled treeholes or containers, such as old tires. They overwinter as larvae as well, which limits their numbers in northern areas because the water in most tree holes freezes solid, killing the insects.

Back to Mosquito and Vector Page

Back to Mosquito Control Page

Adult Toxorhynchites rutilus septentrionalis are not a threat to public heath as they only feed on nectar from flowers and do not need a blood meal. Note the long, tapered, and strongly recurved probosciswhich is used to obtain nectar from flowers.

Photo: L. Minter, 2007

Predatory Mosquito, Toxorhynchites rutilus septentrionalis

Photo: L. Minter, 2009