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FISH POND
MOSQUITOES
GENERAL INFORMATION |
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Fish Pond Mosquitoes (Culiseta
incidens) are one of 53 types of mosquitoes that occur in
California and are found in all California
counties.
These are large robust mosquitoes, dark brown to black in color.
The tip of the abdomen is blunt, with white cross bands present on
all abdominal segments when viewed from above. The wings
appear spotted with patches of dark scales clumped together.
The unscaled cross veins midway in the wing are nearly in line with
each other and the hind tarsi (feet) have narrow white bands which
overlap the joints. Males resemble the females except that they
have bushy antennae and long palpi on their heads.
This species primarily occurs west of the Rocky Mountains, from
Alaska to the Southern California border. Breeding records have
been reported from Texas, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, and
several provinces in Canada. In California it occurs from
below sea level to at least 9,500 feet elevation, which is indicative of its adaptiveness
and distribution on the West Coast.
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Adult
Daily Activity:
This
species is most abundant in the spring and fall during periods of
cool, moderate temperatures. Although influenced by many
factors, the female life expectancy usually ranges from two to three
weeks. In colder regions, the females overwinter by
hibernating, but where temperatures are moderate, such as along the
California coast, development
continues throughout the year.
Humans frequently encounter this species while sitting around
swimming pools, camping, working in the yard or engaging in outdoor
activities such as backyard barbecues. Adults will enter
dwellings but not as frequently as some other types of mosquitoes.
Where large populations exist, male swarming flights may be observed
around twilight. Mating often takes
place in conjunction with the male swarms. Most breeding sites
are located near the area of complaints |
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Adult
Flight Range:
This
mosquito tends to stay near its breeding site but is capable of
traveling up to five miles. |
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Adult
Feeding:
Females
feed primarily on birds and domestic animals but are troublesome
pests in areas where they feed on humans. Bites are
experienced mostly in shady areas during the twilight hours, when
the mosquito is most active. Males do not bite, but feed on
nectar and plant juices. Females may also feed on plant
juices, but usually must have a blood meal in order to develop their
eggs. Remaining indoors or away from breeding areas will often
serve to protect individuals from its bite. |
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Eggs and Larvae:
An adult female lays about 150-200 eggs in clusters called rafts
which float on the surface of the water until they hatch in about
two days. Larvae are found in a wide variety of standing water
sources including creeks, fish ponds, abandoned swimming pools,
stagnant and polluted waters, log ponds, reservoirs, snow pools,
brackish water, horse troughs, artificial containers, and even
discarded automobile tires. The large and normally dark larvae
and pupae can readily be observed moving about in the water. |
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DISEASES TRANSMITTED
Fish Pond Mosquitoes are primarily a domestic nuisance and in some regions
are
considered relatively unimportant as a human pest. Although not found
to be naturally infected with mosquito-borne diseases, successful laboratory
experimental transmission of
St. Louis
Encephalitis,
Western
Equine Encephalitis and Japanese B Encephalitis virus does indicate a
potential medical importance for this mosquito.
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FISH POND MOSQUITO LIFE
CYCLE |
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Fish Pond Mosquitoes have four life
stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The immature stages need
standing water to complete their life cycle.
After the female lays the eggs they hatch
into larvae (wrigglers) which then feed on small organic
particles and micro-organisms in the water. Feeding occurs
when they hang from the water surface by the tip of their tail
(siphon) or by browsing along the bottom of their habitat.
Because they are air breathing organisms they must return to the
water surface to breathe. Larval
development is usually completed in about 10 days. At the end of the larval stage,
the mosquito molts and becomes the aquatic pupa (tumbler).
The pupa is active only if disturbed, for this is the resting
stage where the larval form is transformed into the adult.
This takes about two days during which time feeding does not
occur. When the transformation is completed, the new adult
splits the pupal skin and emerges at the surface. Under
optimum conditions, development from egg to adult takes about
two to three weeks. However, all mosquito developmental
times are dependent on the temperature and nutrients of the
water in which they mature. |
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CONTROL METHODS |
| Where possible, the best approach is to prevent mosquitoes from
breeding by eliminating or modifying breeding sites. This can
be accomplished best by eliminating containers which are capable of
holding water. Where breeding sites exist in standing or
slow-moving water, corrective action to permanently eliminate them
by such means as filling, pumping, ditching or draining is
recommended. Close coordination with your local mosquito
abatement district and environmental regulatory authorities is
recommended. |
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RESIDENTS SHOULD |
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If you have a mosquito problem call your
local Mosquito Abatement District to identify the problem. That
is the first step in identifying what type of mosquito is being
dealt with. |
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Use insect repellents if it is necessary
when in an area where this mosquito is found. Read and follow
the directions carefully! |
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PERSONAL PROTECTION FROM MOSQUITOES |
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FIRST AID FOR MOSQUITO BITES |
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Reduce
outdoor activities during peak feeding periods. |
q
Wash
bite with soap and water. |
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q
Wear
long pants and long sleeved shirts. |
q
Apply
anti-itch medication. |
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q
Apply
insect repellent. |
q
Apply
cold cloth for swelling. |
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q
Watch
for secondary infections. |
For more information on
Fish Pond Mosquitoes contact:
Napa County Mosquito Abatement District
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