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SUMMER SALT MARSH
MOSQUITO
GENERAL INFORMATION
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The
Summer Salt Marsh Mosquito (Aedes
Dorsalis) is one of 53 types of mosquitoes that occur in
California. It is a brilliant gold colored aggressive day biting mosquito that
breeds in a variety of brackish and fresh water habitats. This species
is found in California coastal salt marshes and the brackish waters of the
Sacramento and San Joaquin Delta. Total developmental time, from egg
to adult, has been observed to occur in less than one week.
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Adult Daily Activity:
Adults prefer open habitats such as grasslands, salt
marshes and edges of woodlands. Females are readily attracted to
green, grassy fields and will rest there waiting for available hosts.
Male mating swarms tend to occur over low growing bushes, prominent objects
and open fields. Mating usually occurs on the marsh within a few days
of adult emergence and is followed by random dispersal of host seeking
adults.
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Adult Flight Range:
Adults are capable of traveling up to 30 miles from their
breeding habitat although typical dispersal patterns are less than 10 miles.
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Adult Feeding:
Host studies have shown that large mammals are preferred,
especially cattle and horses. This species will readily bite humans
and there have been rare instances where medical attention was required for
people reacting to multiple bites. Biting occurs most often during the
daylight hours and at dusk.
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Eggs and Larvae:
Eggs are laid
singly on the mud along the edge of tidal pools or the receding water line
of brackish seasonal wetlands. Winter is passed in the egg stage and
hatching occurs with the first warm weather of spring. Additional
hatches occur with subsequent refloodings of the larval habitat.
It should be noted that the eggs can remain viable for
many years with only part of any one batch of laid eggs hatching during any
single flooding event.
The
larval stage can last from 4-14 days with duration being primarily
dependant on temperature. Competition for space as well as
quality and availability of nutrients also affects larval
developmental rates. Larvae are capable of completing their
development in water with salt concentrations as high as 120 ppt
(3.33 times seawater). Optimum survivorship of larvae is in water
with salt concentrations near that of seawater (36 ppt).
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DISEASES TRANSMITTED
Summer Salt Marsh Mosquitoes are a serious pest when they are present in
large numbers. This mosquito is also a secondary vector of California
and Western Equine
Encephalitis viruses.
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SUMMER SALT MARSH
MOSQUITO LIFE
CYCLE |
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Summer Salt Marsh Mosquitoes have four life stages: egg, larva,
pupa, and adult. The immature stages need standing water to complete
their life cycle.
After an adult female lays her eggs they hatch into
larvae (wrigglers), which feed on small organic particles and microorganisms
in the water. Feeding occurs when they hang from the water's 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's surface to
breathe. About five to ten days are required for larval
development. 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. Under optimum
conditions, development from egg to adult can occur in last than one week.
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 modifying their breeding sites. Careful planning
and coordinated efforts with landowners, regulatory agencies and
concerned citizens is essential for any wetlands restoration or
enhancement project where this mosquito might breed. |
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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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Apply
insect repellent. |
q
Apply
cold cloth for swelling. |
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Watch
for secondary infections. |
For more information on
Summer Salt Marsh
Mosquitoes contact:
Napa County Mosquito Abatement District
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