This is a brown mosquito of medium size (1/4 inch long or 6mm) with narrow rings of white scales on the hind legs. A V-shaped notch is present in the middle of each band of white scales on the upper surface of the abdomen. Females have a bandless proboscis.
The larva is found in a wide variety of temporary freshwater pools and depressions in open areas (e.g., flooded fields, retention ponds, roadside puddles, woodland pools). The mosquito is present throughout North America. We expect them to be common in Fontenelle Forest. After a blood meal, the females lay eggs offshore and the eggs hatch when a heavy rain comes and the water rises.
Females suck blood only from mammals. Males mostly feed on nectar, honeydew and sap. Aedes mosquitoes are distinctive because they have noticeable black and white markings on their body and legs. Unlike most other mosquitoes, they are active and bite only during the daytime. The peak biting periods are early in the morning and in the evening before dusk.
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