This is a very large mosquito, about 3/4 inch (20 mm) in length. The 2 identifying characteristics for this species are the golden-yellow median stripe on the thorax and the yellow sword-like proboscis. The black sub-median stripes on the thorax are bare and shiny. The hind legs are banded black and white. The front and middle legs are reddish-brown and black. Males have large, plumose antennae.
These large mosquitoes are probably uncommon. The female in photo 3 was photographed at Camp Brewster on September 17, 2015. The female in images 1 and 2 was photographed on June 19, 2009 at the Great Marsh in Fontenelle Forest.
Adult males and females feed on nectar. Females also bloodfeed day and night on large mammals and can bite through heavy clothing. Flight range is 1 to 2 miles. Larvae live in temporary and permanent pools with grassy or wooded margins. They are predacious on other msoquito larvae and aquatic invertebrates.
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