A to Z of Pests

Culex Mosquitoes

Culex Mosquitoes

Appearance

• Adult – thorax, legs and veins on the wings are always covered with brown scales. Dull in colour. The tip of the abdomen is always blunt.
• Larval rest 45 degree from the surface of the water.
• Egg is brown, long and cylindrical, vertical on water surface, cemented in a raft of 300 eggs. Raft usually 3 – 4mm long and 2 – 3mm wide.

Lifecycle

• Egg to adult stage takes 6 – 10 days.
• Complete metamorphosis – egg, larval, pupa and adult.

Habits

• Habitat – mainly breed in paddy field, polluted stagnant water and drains.
• Biting rhythm – bite at night and usually rest indoor before and after the blood meal. Sometimes they may rest outdoor.
• Prefer darker colours.
• Long distance fliers.
• Main vector for Japanese B – Encephalitis.